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THE HBRARY OF 
CONGRESS, 
Two Copitd REcei\rEO 

OCT, 2 1901 

Copyright entry 

•Se^.2S/i<^of 

CLASS ^ XXo. No, 

n f 3:2^ 

C0PY B. 








Copyrighted, 1901 

By IDA CARMICHAEL 


% 


•• • • 


1 


< 




L'S 



To Bess Allen,” my inspiration; 
To Sister Jennie, my helper; 

To the girls of the fold; 

And to the memory of my 
Little Maggie, these lines are 
Lovingly dedicated by 

The Author 














INTRODUCTION. 


The social instinct — that feeling which causes a 
man to leave father and mother and cleave unto his 
wife — is divine. In the garden of Eden it was planted 
in the bosom of man while sin was yet unknown. It is 
the basis of the home, and the home is the bulwark of 
society. It is one of God's best gifts to man, and prop- 
erly used brings to him purest joy and happiness; but, 
abused, it plunges him into the deepest sorrow and dark- 
est degradation. Hence the exhortation of the Scrip- 
tures, ‘‘ Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it 
are the issues of life.” But this is the last thing that 
young people of the present age think of doing. To 
restrain and guide their affections with judgment and 
reason ; to regard the affections of another as too sacred 
to be trifled with; to be sensible and faithful and true in 
the use of this good gift of God, are lessons seldom 
learned, an^ seldom taught, in these last days. As the 
result, the shores of time are strewn with wrecks of 
unhappy homes and wasted lives. 

To send a gleam of light across the waves as a warn- 
ing to inexperienced mariners against sunken rocks and 
hidden shoals, this little book has been written. Its 
author is a woman of wide experience and wonderful 
faith. She has seen what she portrays, and has written 
from a full heart, often upon her knees in the midst 
of household cares. IMost of the chapters have been 
read to the young people who live near her home, and 

I 


6 


INTRODUCTION. 


who thronged her parlor night after night, and were pro- 
foundly impressed for good by what they heard. 

May the story in its printed form produce a similar 
effect wherever it may be read, and thus in the provi- 
dence of God be a means of saving some from the 
dangers it reveals. C. C. Lewis. 

Keene Academy, Feb. lo, igoi. 


NOTE BY THE AUTHOR 


One morning in November, 1898, I awoke with the 
word Beware!” singing around my pillow like a living 
voice. I asked, What does it mean ? I was told to write. 
I had not written for publication since becoming a com- 
mandment-keeper. It seemed to me the ground was 
too sacred for my unworthy feet to tread upon. But I 
could not drown the voice which, like a sad refrain, sang 
the word “ Beware ” in my ears ; and having such a 
burden for our youth, I took my pen and wrote. “ Be- 
ware I ” — finished in June, 1899, — is the result. 

While it appeals directly to the Sabbath-keeping girl, 
I wish to say it is as lovingly offered to any other 
mother’s daughter as to our own dear ones. It is for 
any God-fearing mother of whatever creed or name 
she may be. And it is for that mother’s son, as well as 
daughter. It is a heart cry from a mother who has 
stood by the silent, white-robed form of her first-born, 
and whose mother heart yearns over the young every- 
where. It is from a wife who knows whereof she writes, 
and one who knows that “ earth hath no sorrow that 
Heaven can not heal.” 


While this simple little work was being set in type, 
our Heavenly Father called upon me to suffer, and 
almost die; and when I was wandering in the valley of 

7 


8 


INTRODUCTION. 


the shadow of death, I cried out, with what those present 
thought to be my dying breath, “ Tell my girls to be- 
ware! ‘be ye not unequally yoked.’” I think I can 
safely say I was as near death as anyone ever was, and 
not fall asleep. My medical attendants will indorse this 
statement, as can also many of my friends. I felt the 
“ swish ” of the cold waters about my feet, and the 
shiver of death creep over my feeble frame. I knew 
when my kind physician clasped my hand, and left my 
bedside, never expecting from a human standpoint, to see 
my living face again. I knew when my family and dear- 
est friends began what they thought to be a deathbed 
vigil ; and yet the little book, “ Beware,” did not leave 
my mind scarcely a moment. I saw some of our dear 
girls who live to bow at the shrine of the goddess of 
fashion, just swiftly “ consumed away ” as beautiful 
butterflies, all dressed in such gaudy material as I have 
seen those same girls wear. 

While lying in a seemingly dying condition, God 
called upon me to pass through an experience which 
seemed sufficient to undo the strongest woman living; 
and although my heart had almost entirely failed to do 
its duty, and death was expected at any moment, I went 
through the sad trial which the dear Lord deemed good 
for me at that time, and came out with my feet upon 
a rock, and a new song in my mouth, and my goings 
established, all the better prepared to cry out, “ Be ye 
not unequally yoked,” 


INTRODUCTION. 


9 


Girls, please heed the warning so humbly, so lovingly, 
yet so tragically given. Sometime it may do for you 
to know all the experience of this seemingly death 
chamber, but the time is not yet. One who fondly loves 
our youth, both boys and girls, lying here seemingly a 
physical wreck, prays for you all. 

With mother love, 

Ida Carmichael. 



CHAPTER I. 


It was just dusk. In a cheerful little bedchamber, 
in which everything was comfortable, complete, nay, one 
might say quietly elegant, a bright sea-coal fire burned in 
a dainty grate. This little room is worthy of another 
glance, for it represents “ health reform in furnishing. 
While no heavy hangings or thick carpets are present to 
hold germs ” and gather dust, the dainty, easily laun- 
dried, though bright and cheery hangings, Eandsome 
rugs, etc., give an air of refinement not always met with 
in heavier furnishings, and demonstrate the fact that bed- 
chambers may be furnished with an eye single to the 
healthful and the useful, as well as to the beautiful, a fact 
seemingly lost sight of by some health reformers. 

A daintly shaded lamp gave out a roseate glow, and 
this, added to the blue blaze emitted by the sea coal in the 
grate, made a lovely picture of warmth and comfort in- 
viting indeed. 

The door swung quickly on its hinges, and a young 
girl stepped excitedly into the room. One glance served 
to show that for the moment, at least, the beauty there 
was lost upon her. She at once approached the dresser, 
and looked long and earnestly at her own sweet, young 
face reflected there. This is what she saw: A clear, 
healthy complexion ; bright, soulful brown eyes, and good 
teeth ; all crowned by a wealth of well-kept, crinkly brown 
hair — there you have my little pet, Irma Dean. 

With a quickly drawn breath she exclaimed, “ Oh, to 

u 


12 


BEWARE ! 


think that he is really coming to call this evening, and 
that mama and papa have consented to my receiving him ! 
How is it that he ever fancied little me, I wonder? But 
just to think, my pleasure is spoiled because mama does 
not approve, as he is not a Sabbath-keeper. How I do 
wish he was.” 

A moment she seemed to hesitate. 

“ Oh, I wish Aunt Prudence had not said so much 
about Dinah’s going ‘ out to see the daughters of the 
land.’ Because Jacob’s daughter came to grief is no 
reason why I should. All just because a young man 
who is not a Sabbath-keeper should come to call upon 
me. Aunt Prtidence is good and wise, I know, but 
she gives me the heartache. But mama says she is as 
true as she is prudent ; and that is saying a good deal, for 
she is prudent by nature as well as by name. I know 

mama had rather I should not receive this visit, but 

oh, well, what am I to do ? ” 

The woman who hesitates is lost, so, as we foresaw 
from the first, desire had its way, and Irma began slowly 
to prepare herself to receive her visitor. 

She was about nineteen years of age. She had not 
finished her course in school, though far, far beyond her 
mates; for this dainty maiden of mine was exceedingly 
bright, though quite practical withal, and her frail 
mother’s stay and comfort. 

Irma laid out a lovely dress to wear, and then she once 
more approached her mirror. 

‘‘ Why does mama think bangs, corsets, pointed toes, 

‘ Dewey frills ’ to one’s dress skirts, and all those things 
go bad ! I know we are to be a ‘ peculiar people/ -and I 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


13 


thiril< we are indeed. How will I look in his eyes with 
hair drawn straight back (as mama insists upon), this 
plain skirt hung to a ' freedom ’ waist, broad-toed shoes, 
and with simply a ribbon for my waist, instead of one of 
those fancy belts so much worn ? ” 

As I have said, the dress was lovely. The material 
was soft and fine, the color just suited to the bright young 
face, and was made after the latest model of “ health ” 
gowns. It was so draped that the sweet young form 
untrammeled and unconfined, looked winsome indeed. 
But she was about to take a doubtful step, and that 
alone was sufficient to cloud her spiritual eyes to the 
beautiful. Had she been dressing for church or Sab- 
bath school and worn this really beautiful gown for the 
first time she would have been delighted with the effect, 
and would have flown to kiss mama and thank her for 
the gift. But as it was, she wore the dress under pro- 
test. 

Girls, I leave you think over this, while we take a 
look into the room of Irma’s mother. 


CHAPTER II. 


Mrs. Dean sat thoughtfully by her fire. Everything 
in this room bespoke the same quiet elegance, and gave 
evidence of wealth, just as in the daughter’s simpler 
apartment. As before indicated, Mrs. Dean was rather 
frail. Having learned the “ truth ” late in life, she had 
the effect of many errors to undo, many things to lay 
aside and outlive, that had left an almost insurmountable 
evil in their train. But she was faithful and earnest, 
given to prayer, and had been rigid as to dress and diet 
from the very first. So her daughter, her only child, 
had cause to be thankful, for she was naturally more 
frail than her mother ; but that dear mother’s watchful- 
ness and faithfulness had helped the daughter into a 
bright, cheery, healthy young womanhood. 

Mrs. Dean was now confronting a problem hard to 
solve. For the first time in life, she either had to griev- 
ously disappoint her sweet young daughter, or forego 
her usual rigid rule of having that daughter obey her in 
everything; and to disappoint her child in this particular 
thing would be to force obedience in the letter, but not 
in the spirit, which the mother was wise enough to know. 
But, the mother had something to regret, as the following 
conversation with her husband will show. 

Mr. Dean had just entered the room. He bore the 
same evidence of refinement and culture that we have 
found in the other members of the family. He ap- 
proached his wife, and said, gently, “ Why so sad ? ” 

14 


BEWARE! 


15 


She answered, ‘‘ I am not yet satisfied, not yet recon- 
ciled to the thought of Ralph Hughs calling upon Irma. 
You see, we are beginning to reap what we have sown. 
I was always opposed to her attending those entertain- 
ments given at the homes of those brothers and sisters 
who did not live up to the light in regard to health reform. 
I know all have considered me a fanatic upon this point, 
but everything holy bears me out in my seemingly ex- 
treme position. There is no true religion without abso- 
lute obedience in regard to dress, diet, etc.; and while I 
have been firm in my own home, I now regret that 
through your persuasion Irma has ever been permitted to 
go to those places where ice cream and rich cake are wont 
to be served at unseemly hours of the evening, tell 
you it will not do. It is ‘ lusting after the flesh-pots of 
Egypt/ and gratifying the lust, too. Everything goes 
to prove that it is those that indulge in these things who 
are giving up the faith. Not one who lives strictly in 
accordance with true health reform will ever leave the 
Adventist ranks. 

“ But to return to Irma. We can see that she is 
delighted at the idea of Ralph Hughs calling here ; and it 

was at the ice cream party given at Sister B ’s last 

summer, when they invited so many unconverted young 
people, that she first met him. You know she has not 
finished her course in school, and she is too young to 
receive gentlemen callers anyway."” 

“ Now, mother, you are, as usual, ‘ making a moun- 
tain out of a mole-hill.’ Irma is grown — a steady, prac- 
tical girl, well raised, hedged in by all your pure ideas of 
propriety, etc. ; and do not let us put on the ‘ holier than 


BEWARE ! 


i6 

thou ’ aspect, and draw ourselves like turtles into our owtl 
houses and stay there. Why not permit Irma to receive 
the friendly call of this desirable young man ? It is true, 
he is not a Sabbath-keeper ; but he may become one under 
the influences to be met with in a true Christian home 
such as we know ours to be. I really think you and 
Aunt Prudence took notice of but one portion of the book 
of Genesis in the late Sabbath-school lessons, and that 
was the downfall of Dinah through her visiting the 
daughters of the land. Do not be one-sided. Be an 
all-around Christian.” 

“ Well, my dear, I do try to be. Now, upon you, as 
the head of the household, rests this grave responsibility. 
Remember, you should be a second Abraham, command- 
ing your household and your children after you. I shall 
make earnest prayer over this. Now we will adjourn 
to the library, and there await Irma’s caller.” 


CHAPTER III. 


We left Irma just ready to descend to await her caller. 
She lingered still a moment at her glass, not from vanity, 
though the picture was fair to look upon, but to again 
commune with herself. 

“Now I do hope I will please mama in one thing, at 
least. I shall have Mr. Hughs shown into the library at 
once, which is considered here the family sitting room, 
and I shall try to entertain him in the prescribed way. I 
do not see why we could not go into the parlor, and spend 
the time with music, pictures, and bric-a-brac, and yet all 
be in ' good form ’, but mama thinks otherwise, and it 
shall be as she wishes.” 

Having settled this point, with one critical look at her 
reflected form, she stepped lightly from her room, and ran 
downstairs. She was not at all surprised to find her 
parents present, and found that she was rather glad of it ; 
for she felt timid as the time approached for her to be 
put to the test, and to receive and entertain this par- 
ticular caller. 

At the time when fashionable evening calls are made, 
Mr. Hughs was shown into the library by the servant. 

A glance reveals that he is a man of the world. Tall, 
well-formed, elegantly dressed, polished, even beyond the 
degree usually met with in men of this class. To his 
credit be it said, while he might indulge in social follies, 
he held in contempt the vices which step so closely upon 
folly’s heels. His gray-blue eye, a Napoleon’s eye, be- 
spoke an indomitable will. 


17 


i8 


BEWARE! 


As he advanced to greet first Irma’s parents, with. 
whom he was slightly acquainted, then herself, one could 
see that his eyes brightened with more than a friendly 
interest as they fell upon the winning picture that the 
young girl made. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, and 
the little excitement visible in one usually so quiet and 
dignified for one of her years, only rendered her more 
attractive. 

Seeing at once that he was expected to spend his time 
with Irma and her parents, he quietly fell into line. 
He had sufficient perception to read between the words, 
so to speak, and soon discovered that while Mrs. Dean 
did not favor his call, Mr. Dean did ; and he at once began 
to make himself agreeable to Mr. Dean, even more than 
to Irma herself. 

Irma soon forgot her shyness, as the conversation 
turned upon foreign travel ; this deeply interested her ; 
for to be a foreign missionary had been the dream of her 
life. Mr. Hughs had traveled abroad quite extensively, 
and as he knew how to make others see what he had seen, 
without being in the least self-conscious or vain of his 
great conversational powers, or at all conceited of his 
knowledge, of other countries and people, even Mrs. Dean 
became deeply interested, and Irma was delighted. Thor- 
oughly a man of ‘‘ good form,” he did not seem to be the 
entertainer, but the entertained; and being one to put 
others at their ease, and draw out their best conversational 
powers, he, by frequent turning to Mr. Dean, and defer- 
ence to Mrs. Dean’s seldom-advanced ideas, with a frank 
manner of youthful equality toward Irma, soon was 
giving and receiving real pleasure in this quiet family. 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


19 


Mrs. Dean had once been a social queen, but it was 
when Irma was a babe; so the latter knew nothing of one 
phase of society with which her mother was very familiar. 
Mrs. Dean was so much pleased with her young guest’s 
conversational ability, his polish, and his culture in gen- 
eral, that the evening was advanced when with a start 
she glanced at the clock over the mantle, and found it 
was time for family worship. This was something never 
omitted or postponed in this home. 

Irma caught her mother’s meaning glance, and her 
father’s quiet command. She arose, and proceeded to 
turn up the lights, open the organ, get the Bibles, and 
hand them to her parents ; then she paused a moment, with 
her own beautiful Bible in her hand, hesitating before 
offering it to her guest. Mrs. Dean made the seemingly 
necessary explanation. 

“ I suppose, Mr. Hughs, that you know we are fol- 
lowers of the meek and lowly Jesus,” she said, and as 
we are told to ‘ seek ye first the kingdom of heaven and 
his righteousness,’ we permit no social duty to interfere 
with family worship at the usual hour. I hope, however, 
that you can enjoy this service with us, especially if you 
sing. Irma plays for us, and as she will now take her 
place at the organ, I hope you will join us in singing 
praises to the Lord.” 

To say that Ralph Hughs was taken by surprise is 
to express the situation in mild language. However, he 
soon recovered himself, and almost before one could have 
noticed the slight degree of hesitancy in his manner, he 
was at Irma’s side, offering assistance. Never in his life 
had he been present at family worship, but he conducted 


20 


beware! 


himself so decorously that one would have found it hard 
to believe this was his first privilege of the kind. 

The first song selected was from those usually chosen 
by Adventist families upon such occasions. Mr. Dean 
at once saw that the young man knew no more of such 
songs than he knew of “ the doctrine,” so in making his 
next selection, he said : — 

“ Irma, let us sing ' What a friend we have in Jesus.* 
I think we all can sing that.” 

In one moment Ralph’s" mind flew back to his child- 
hood days, and hovered around the one object of childish 
worship, a little sister just younger than himself. She 
had been very devout in her nature, loved her Bible and 
Sunday-school lessons, and sang this song almost con- 
tinually, especially when sick or sad. She had been dead 
since his tenth year. But while the other members of 
his father’s worldly family had seemingly long since 
ceased to grieve for the frail little creature, there had 
always been a sense of loss in his life. 

He had a splendid voice, but never, since singing with 
his little sister in childish days, had it been used to praise 
the Lord. He was, however, much sought after by those 
giving private theatricals, concerts, and musical enter- 
tainments of every kind. Now carried back by the strains 
of the old familiar hymn, he threw his whole soul into his 
voice, and sang as he did not know he could sing. It 
was a novel experience for Ralph Hughs, the society man ; 
but he enjoyed it. 

Mr. Dean selected a suitable portion of Scripture, and 
now Irma ventured to hold out her Bible to Ralph, which 
he quietly took. As she had thoughtfully opened the 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


21 


book at the chapter to be read, he was saved the embar- 
rassment of searching for it, as would otherwise have 
been the case. When his. turn came, he read in a rich, 
full voice the few lines of Scripture so new to him. When 
the family knelt for 'prayer, he was subdued indeed, and 
when Irma in a clear, sweet voice, uttered her evening 
petitions to her Fleavenly Father, he was almost awe- 
struck. It was something beyond his comprehension, — 
this young girl to be so fearless in her worship of the 
true and living God. 

As it was now past ten o’clock, Ralph took his leave, 
after thanking Mrs. Dean in a very earnest manner for 
the evening, and thereby receiving a cordial invitation 
from Mr. Dean to call again. 


CHAPTER IV. 


We will now look in upon Ralph as he is taking his 
breakfast the morning after his call upon the Deans. 

It was an elegant breakfast room, the furnishings 
and fixtures being of the best. The food was such as one 
would expect to see upon the table of a down-town banker, 
served in quiet elegance by an experienced waiter, who 
discreetly withdrew as the last plate of buckwheat cakes, 
v^ith the accompaniment of maple s^rup, was placed upon 
the table. 

Ralph merely toyed with his egg and toast, and 
stopped to drop an extra lump of sugar into his cup. 
He at last broke the silence by turning to Mrs. Hughs 
suddenly, saying: — 

“ Mother, do you know a family by the name of Dean, 
who lives on the opposite side of town ? The family con- 
sists of father, mother, and one child, a daughter nearly 
grown.” 

Mrs. Hughs replied: “Yes, I think I know the 
family you refer to, or I once knew them. I do not 
now.” 

“ Was Mrs. Dean in society? ” asked Ralph. 

Yes, a social queen much sought after, and a general 
favorite, for she was quite wealthy and very talented; 
but that was when she was a girl, and in the first few 
years of her married life.” 

Mrs. Hughs here paused, and looked at her son, who 
flushed slightly, but in a light manner continued the con- 


22 


BEWARE ! 


23 


versation by asking, “ What caused her to give up her 
gay life ? ” 

“ She was suddenly converted to some fanatical re- 
ligious views, held by a sect of people called Seventh- 
day Adventists, their most prominent characteristics being 
the observance of the old Jewish Sabbath, and the preach- 
ing of the doctrine of the soon commg of Christ. When 
Mr. and Mrs. Dean accepted these views, and began to 
keep Saturday for Sunday, they were soon ostracised by 
their fashionable friends, and were also cast off by her 
parents, who were very proud. The Adventists were not 
held in very high esteem twenty years ago. Nor are they 
any more desirable in my eyes now than they were then, 
although they have grown wonderfully, and have some 
fine institutions of learning, of health, and other branches 
of their work. I think they have a place of worship in 
the city; at least, quite a number of them reside over in 
the part of town where Mr. Dean is situated. How in 
the world did you come to know this Adventist family ? ” 

Ralph blushed deeply this time, and hesitated slightly 
before replying. He at last said : — 

“ Through a mutual friend, a young man who went 
to the State Normal a while. He is a bright fellow, but 
he left school because it was so hard for him to do his 
school work in four days, that he might keep sacred the 
seventh day; for this particular Normal teaches on Sat- 
urday, and observes Monday as a weekly holiday.’* 

The entrance of a servant here put an end to the 
conversation. Ralph longed to ask his mother more 
about the Deans, but her questioning eyes and manner 
caused him to bide his time, and try to gain elsewhere 
the coveted information, 


24 


BEWARE ! 


Mrs. Hughs was a very handsome, stylish woman, 
a worshiper at the shrine of the goddess of fashion, as 
were her two daughters, Lela and Ada, although Lela 
cared less for the opinion of the “ four hundred ” than 
did her mother and Ada, and would often step out of 
the beaten path to do some little deed of kindness, or 
bestow some favor upon the needy ; and had she been en- 
couraged, she would have followed in the footsteps of the 
little Maggie of whom Ralph had been so fond. This 
child was a wonder, to have been born and reared for nine 
years in such a godless home. It was well that she slept 
when she did, for she was never understood by any mem- 
ber of her family, and was only loved and appreciated 
by her brother Ralph, 

As has been said, Lela was somewhat like her, but in 
the soil in which she grew, there was nothing to nurture 
that side of her nature, so it was dwarfed; but the dis- 
position to love and to help would crop out occasionally. 
She and Ralph were nearer together than any other 
members of this worldly family. 

O, vain mother! what will your reaping be? You 
could have molded these strong young natures into the 
image of the Saviour, had you known him yourself. But 
your highest ambition was to see them enter society, there 
to be sought after, flattered, and toasted by the godless 
and the giddy ; to see these really grand-looking girls 
spend hours acquiring the step of the latest dance, or in 
the parlors of a “ French Modiste,'’ that they might out- 
dance and outdress their equally godless associates in 
society. 


CHAPTER V. 


Some weeks passed before Ralph Hughs called again 
upon the Deans. When he did so, he received a welcome 
from all, including Mrs. Dean. 

Irma saw the trend of this friendship, and strove 
against it, for her mother did not approve of it, although 
her father did. She studied hard, and did all she could 
to quiet her conscience, but the small still voice would not 
be drowned. “ Beware ! Beware ! Beware ! ” seemed to 
ring in her ears continually. She heard the refrain in the 
song of the birds, in the strains of her music, in the ripple 
of the water, everywhere. 

I, too, say, Beware, my young readers; think before 
you once take the step to put yourself in her position. 
You know that no blessing rests upon those who turn 
aside and go without the fold to form their close friend- 
ships. Let me beg of you not to encourage anything 
of the kind, be the man ever so winning and agreeable, 
ever so polite and polished, ever so cultivated and traveled. 
Oh, remember “ a house divided against itself can not 
stand,” and remember that no true Sabbath-keeping girl 
can afford to trifle upon this point; and if she receives 
the serious attention of any young man, it is sinful, if she 
is not intending to accept more from him, even his name, 
and become his wife. Oh, beware! I have seen young 
men devotedly attentive to Sabbath-keeping girls, — 
young men who knew not God, who had no reverence for 
things sacred, who would have smiled with contempt at 

25 


26 


BEWARE ! 


the mere mention of the seventh-day Sabbath elsewhere 
than in the presence of those girls. I have seen those 
same girls dress in a manner to please the unconverted, 
and even receive their calls upon the Sabbath ; have seen 
their eyes grow bright in anticipation of the coming of 
those same ungodly acquaintances. O, girls, pause ! 
think upon these things. Do you realize where you are 
drifting? The pride of life, and the pride of the eye, is 
not of God; it is of Satan. Whom do you serve, whom 
do you wish to please, God or man? 

Time passed rapidly with Irma, and the commence- 
ment exercises drew on. She was much excited, and 
studied fitfully, for she gave long hours to dreaming of 
a possible future, which she should have given to her 
books, and thereby she was forced to study in an irregular 
manner, that produced a weariness and peevishness not 
pleasing to her Heavenly Father, nor pleasant in her 
home ; for she had been the brightest ornament there, and 
the sweetest comfort. But the terrible war which the two 
powers were now waging in her young heart, unfitted her 
for everyday duties, and soon made her less cheerful and 
less helpful. 

This pained, beyond expression, her gentle, fragile 
mother. But oh, the agony of remorse in that mother’s 
heart! How she wept before the Lord, and besought 
him to help Irma to throw off the influence which was 
being brought to bear upon that young life. Mr. Dean 
seemed utterly blind to the fact that there could possibly 
be any evil result from a seemingly simple friendship be- 
tween his daughter and this, from a worldly standpoint, 
desirable young man. This may seem strange, but Satan 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


27 


has blinded the eyes of even wiser men than Mr. Dean, 
and will continue to do so, unless they seek the Lord with 
all their hearts. Mr. Dean thought it preposterous that 
anyone should for one moment entertain the idea that his 
daughter could love and marry anyone outside of the 
faith. 

While Mr. Dean was blind to the true condition of 
affairs, Mrs. Dean was not. She saw that slowly but 
surely her sweet young daughter was yielding to the 
“ siren song ; ” was each day growing less godly, and less 
careful of keeping all the commandments of God; for 
now Irma would sometimes say: — 

“ O mamma, those little things seem so unnecessary, 
why so Pharisaical ? ” 

Mrs. Dean could scarcely believe the evidences of her 
own senses as these things were forced upon her ; this all 
proves that while Irma seemed to be so intrenched that 
it looked impossible to undermine the citadel, time showed 
to the contrary. Of course, the Sabbath and such per- 
ceptible things as all outward forms of the truth were 
held inviolate. It was the inner life that had undergone 
this sad change. 

Irma was to be graduated at the close of the college 
session, and had looked forward with intense interest to 
this hour; but only as a means to the end, intending to 
at once begin the Medical Missionary course, and so fit 
herself for her chosen life work; viz., that of a foreign 
missionary. But her watchful mother noticed with a 
sinking heart that Irma no longer spoke of taking the 
extra course, but instead seemed to experience a sense of 
relief to think that her school days were so nearly ended. 


28 


BEWARE ! 


and rejoiced at the prospect of “ being free,” as she ex- 
pressed it. 

Mrs. Dean was filled with remorse; for she felt, nay, 
knew, that if she had lived in accordance with the light 
given her in former days, Irma would never have come 
in contact with Ralph Hughs in the manner which she 
did, if at all. So, sisters, be careful where your tender 
young charges are permitted to visit, and remember that 
Sister Blank, who has such nice entertainments with all 
worldly accompaniments, may be ever so pleasant, ever 
so kind and winning, and seemingly ever so devout upon 
the Sabbath, but if the worldly element is not eliminated 
from her home, it is safer that your daughter decline with 
thanks all invitations to visit in that home. '' Whatsoever 
ye do, do all to the glory of God.” Let us ponder well 
this scripture, and heed it most faithfully; for else, we 
will not do all to the glory of God, and there will be more 
mothers among us bowed down with inevitable, though 
unavailing grief, as was Irma’s mother. Alas ! the harm 
was done, and all her tears could not undo it. 

Beware ! 


CHAPTER VI. 


And what of Ralph? He was not happy, as the fol- 
lowing conversation with his mother will serve to show. 
He had just entered the parlor, and seated himself by a 
window. He seemed to be vexed and disturbed at the 
beginning of the conversation, and was much more so at 
its close. 

His mother began by saying, “ Where do you keep 
yourself these days, my son? We see so little of you, and 
I have been hearing a floating rumor that pains me very 
much. One of your chums told Ada that he saw you on 
the street with a ‘ Puritan ’ maiden, who was ‘ sans bangs, 
frills, or powder,’ as he expressed it. And he laughed 
at the way you ‘ turned the corner ’ to avoid meeting 
him. Now, Ralph, who was this girl? I am forced to 
the conclusion that it must have been the daughter of 
the Deans, the Adventist family you were questioning 
me about so closely not very long since. Is it possible, 
my son, that you are so forgetful of your position in 
society as to have a serious thought in that direction? 
Surely not. You know, that dearly as I love you, I 
could not tolerate such a thing.” 

Ralph breathed quickly, and his eyes flashed, ere he 
replied : — 

“ Well, I should really like to know to whom you are 
indebted for this choice bit of gossip. Madame Rumor 
had best let my name alone. I shall be seen upon the 
street with any young lady I may choose to walk with; 

29 


30 


BEWARE ! 


and as to this particular one, if Ada possessed the half 
of her charming qualities, I would have a sister to be 
proud of indeed. Now, mother, as you have brought 
about this conversation, I must say, once for all, that I 
like Irma Dean. She is superior to any girl I have ever 
met. Of course I object to her very peculiar religious 
views, just as much as you do or possibly can; yet their 
home life is beautiful, and it is these same ' peculiar 
religious views ’ that make it so. I have been thinking 
for some time that I would talk with you. Come, mother,, 
can you not appreciate the situation? Overcome your 
prejudice, take my sisters, and call upon Mrs. Dean and 
her daughter. That would be the right thing to do, 
under the existing circumstances.” 

Ralph seemed relieved as he thus unburdened his 
heart to his mother. Cold and unbending as was his 
“ lady mother,” he now so craved sympathy and help 
that he ventured to throw himself upon his mother’s 
mercy, and see if she could be touched. 

Mrs. Hughs froze in a moment. Drawing her 
superb form to its full height, she replied : — 

“ I decline with thanks. Not I. If your matrimonial 
aspirations are no higher than this indicates, I beg leave 
to be excused from furthering such a social suicide. If 
this comes to your father’s ears, he will in all probability 
stop your allowance; and should you persist, he will 
doubtless cut you off without the half — yes, without 
one dollar, save the amount inherited from your grand- 
father, which I allow is a little fortune of itself. But it 
would be far short of what your expectations have 
always) been as the acknowledged heir of the Hughs’ 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


31 


name and business. However, the small amount which 
is yours in your own right, might prove sufficient for 
the modest wants of your Adventist maiden.” 

Ralph felt the angry blood dye brow and cheek, but 
the respect he bore his mother held angry words in 
check. He remarked : “ Very well, so be it. I have 
appealed „to you as a son to a mother ; you have hardened 
your woman’s heart against me and given the proverbial 
stone instead of a crumb of comfort.” 

After this he abruptly left the room. Mrs. Hughs 
sat angrily tapping her slipper upon the carpet. She 
was both surprised and annoyed. She had feared some- 
thing of this kind, but the facts exceeded her fears. 

O mother! you have missed the opportunity of your 
life. Your boy’s heart was open then to all that was 
good. Had you been in touch with the blessed Saviour, 
you would have recognized the tenderness in his voice, 
and would have taken advantage of the occasion to have 
bound him to yourself with such cords of mother love 
that nothing could ever have severed them. But no; 
your worldly, ambitious nature can appreciate nothing 
that is not wrapped and labeled of “ the four hundred.” 
In other words, you can not love or appreciate the most 
lovable girl in the world, nor welcome her as your son’s 
wife, unless she is of your own “ set.” But still less can 
you welcome this particular girl, because of her religious 
views. Be she ever so suitable otherwise, because she 
does not worship as yourself she is to be repudiated. 

How many in polite society would disclaim the 
charge that their dislike to certain ones sprang from this 
same cause — in other words, religious intolerance. 


CHAPTER VII. 


Summer in all her loveliness was upon the land. 
Those who truly loved the Lord rejoiced to again be 
pennitted to wander forth upon the calm, soul-inspiring 
summer afternoons at close of social meeting to com- 
mune with nature, and view in nature, nature’s God. 
Many who had been shut in, sad and discouraged, 
almost dismayed, during the trying winter months, now 
threw aside those gloomy feelings, and, with a new lease 
of life, spiritual and physical, went out to take lessons 
in perfect trust from the warblers in the grove and the 
lambs upon the hillsides. Matt. 10:29-31. 

Oh, who can be so stoical as to remain unmoved 
while viewing God’s works, animate and inanimate ! 
And to those whose homes are barren, bleak, and unat- 
tractive during the long, hard winter months, how sweet 
it is to know that they can revel in the beauties of nature, 
with no stint of sunshine or warm balmy air ! Who does 
not feel like exclaiming, “ Praise God from whom all 
blessings flow ! ” Old but ever new words of praise. 
Sweet, expressive, grand, and glorious. O, let us in- 
deed “ praise God from whom all blessings flow.” Praise 
him for the scenes of beauty here on earth. Praise him 
for the grand panorama of heavenly beauties which faith 
enables us to view; yes, for the beauties of the New 
Jerusalem, our home in the earth made new, where no 
more chilling, blighting want shall be felt ; where heart- 
aches and bereavements will be unknown, for ‘‘ there 
32 


BEWARE ! 


33 


will be no parting there/’ How comforting! We can 
bear all our ‘‘ light afflictions ” here with much more for- 
titude and resignation, if we will only keep our eye of 
faith on our “ home over there.” Who has not loved 
and lost? Who has not grieved and wept? Who has 
not felt his heart leap for joy at the thought of, that eter- 
nal summer which will soon burst upon our enraptured 
vision? Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly. 

As before stated, Irma was to be in the graduating 
class at this commencement. The ordeal was now upon 
her, and she was fearful that she was not so fully pre- 
pared for it as she might have been. But she prayed 
with her old-time fervency, and sought the Lord more 
closely than for months past; and her devoted mother 
kept her child’s name continually before the throne of 
grace. O would that our youth could know of the agony 
of prayer that only a mother can feel; see the bitter, 
blinding tears that are shed ; realize how utterly a 
mother gives her all to her child! A mother comes 
nearer being Christlike in this love than is anything else 
on earth, and will sacrifice life itself to further the inter- 
est of her child. So many of our young people seem to 
take it as a matter of course that “ mother ” should do 
all these things ; that mother should bear the burdens, 
and weep and pray. To such dear mothers we can say. 
Do not be discouraged, for Jesus is your friend ; and you 
will yet see of the travail of your soul and be satisfied. 
We have seen a mother prostrate with grief, pouring 
out the anguish of her soul to her God, while the 
clriidren for whom' she was pleading were perfectly 
iailiffcrent. God help such suffering mothers. 


3 


34 


BEWARE ! 


Some people might live without our God, but a true 
mother, never. O Father, do help us mothers ! It is so 
sad to us to see little feet that we have loved and fondled, 
and helped to take their first faltering steps, when 
larger grown, striving to enter forbidden paths; eager 
to pander to the thrill of the world’s music; willingly 
going where Jesus does not lead; restless at the restraint 
placed upon them by a prayerful, jud,icious mother. 
Mothers, pray on. Fail not, nor falter. Jesus is your 
strength. The feeling that he exhibited for his own sweet 
mother should prove a solace to us. How he must love 
those who are mothers indeed ! 

A mother once said, “ I have long been trying to de- 
cide what is the noblest thing that God ever made, and 
I have come to the conclusion that it is a true mother.” 
It was a strong expression, but very near the truth. 

While our Irma was very dutiful to her frail mother, 
the girl could not understand the apprehensions that 
Mrs. Dean now knew. Upon more than one occasion 
Ralph Hughs had walked home with Irma, and had 
several times entered the Adventist house of worship. 
He had seemed to be interested in the discourse, but his 
eye sought the Dean pew oftener than the pulpit. The 
mother knew that he was there simply because Irma 
was there. Irma looked conscious, too. Mr. Dean 
alone was of that opinion that Mr. Hughs was becoming 
interested in “ the truth.” 

Father, can you not see that the interest is in your 
own sweet daughter, and that it is alone to win her smile 
of approval that this fashionable aristocrat comes to 
your house of worship? 


CHAPTER VIII. 


It would be difficult to find a fairer picture than 
Irma Dean made as she arose to receive her diploma. 
Dressed in a gown of pure white, with her waist en- 
circled by a broad, bright ribbon, her beautiful hair 
drawn back in a becoming manner, she was fair indeed ; 
and so thought more than one, especially Ralph Hughs, 
who was early in his seat, and remained until the close 
of the exercises. 

Irma succeeded beyond her most sanguine expecta- 
tions, with both routine work and her essay, but her 
friends were disappointed; for it had for months been 
both the expectation and desire of her classmates that 
she should be valedictorian, and they could not under- 
stand why she was at the last eclipsed by one not nearly 
so gifted. Irma knew why. She knew it was because 
of moments spent in dreamy reveries instead of in hard 
study, of half hours spent in conversation that should 
have been given to her books. 

Her mother had often wished of late that Irma had 
been in the Home, so that she would have been debarred 
the privilege of receiving young gentlemen callers. But 
knowing that the husband, the “ priest ’’ of the home, 
was really the one who should have regulated these 
things, she had meekly submitted, and had seen the 
friendship between her daughter and Ralph Hughs ripen 
into something more, at least so she feared. Irma was 
not really trying to keep anything hidden from her 
mother ; the relationship existing between them as mother. 

3S 


3 ^ 


BEWARE ! 


and daughter was too perfect for anything of that kind. 
There are, however, things hard to grasp, much less to 
impart, — an unexplainable something that we may know 
and feel, that another also is conscious of, yet we can 
not speak of that “ something ; ” we are held back by 
some influence, and much as we might wish to have a 
heart-to-heart talk with that same person, we just can 
not; and the nearer and dearer the tie existing between 
those concerned, the more difficult becomes the breaking 
through the reserve, and giving and receiving the con- 
fidence due in the matter. Right here, O mothers, is 
where so many daughters are lost. Just here is where 
some one else steps in, and gains the young heart’s con- 
fidence, which should be given to mother, and mother 
alone. If one, more than all others, needs to be as wise 
as a serpent and as harmless as a dove, it is a mother. 

Mothers, study well the words and ways of your young 
daughter. If you think she is withholding anything 
from you, do not importune or reproach, but be so lov- 
ing and tender, so respectful, yet so solicitous; so truly 
a mother, yet so gentle and companionable; so full of 
interest, yet so unobtrusive ; be so much more to her than 
anyone else can possibly be, that she will just sponta- 
neously turn to you rather than to anyone else on earth. 
Do not think the time lost in which you drop your work 
to run into the parlor just to listen to the last piece of 
music for a few minutes. Do not frown, or remonstrate 
too much, when your daughter is seemingly careless or in- 
attentive to your commands. Often it is not intentional. 
Do not let her see that you notice every little thing. But 
if you are wise, nothing will escape your notice, and 


OR IRAIA^S LIFE. 


37 


straws show which way the wind blows.’’ If any of 
you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all 
men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given 
him.” This reads just as truly if we say. If any mother 
lacketh wisdom, let her ask of God who giveth liberally, 
and upbraideth not; and it shall be given her. For 
surely he giveth every mother who asketh, all wisdom 
necessary to discharge her sacred duty. How precious 
and inspiring the thought that God is to give us wisdom 
and strength for everything; for in giving us Christ 
Jesus, he gave us the Godhead bodily. He withholds no 
good thing from us. 

Mrs. Dean had drunk deeply at this fountain of wis- 
dom, so she was prepared for the gradual change in 
Irma ; and being aware of her daughter’s love and respect 
for herself, she gently held in check the tendency upon 
Irma’s part to reserve. When possible, she spent her time 
in Irma’s company, interested in all that interested her 
sweet young daughter, trying, oh, so hard, to counter- 
balance the influence being brought to bear upon Irma’s 
mind just at this time. And after all this gentle effort 
it was so hard to have to realize at last that Irma had to 
give way, and see one, not so fitted by half, receive the 
honors of her class, and deliver the valedictory. 

Irma blushed, and the tears came, when her mother’s 
loving eye rested upon her as the other young lady 
stepped forward to play her important part in the even- 
ing’s exercises. As the valedictory was delivered, and 
the diplomas awarded, she avoided her mother’s eye as 
much as possible. So “ doth conscience make cowards 
of us all.” But when she arose to receive her diploma, 


38 


BEWARE ! 


no one except that watchful mother was in the least aware 
of the situation. 

Ralph Hughs gave her such a beaming glance of ap- 
proval and admiration as she took her seat that again 
the air seemed to be filled with the refrain, Beware ! Be- 
ware I Beware 1 


CHAPTER IX. 


One beautiful, bright summer afternoon Ralph en- 
tered the room where his sister Lela sat busy with some 
fancy work. 

Ralph had never loved either of his younger sisters 
as he had loved the little playmate of his boyhood days, 
the sister so near his own age. But of late he had been 
trying to draw nearer to his youngest sister, Lela, and 
she responded readily; for she was of a very much more 
approachable nature than was Ada, who in many re- 
spects resembled her mother. As Ralph took his seat 
upon the sofa by Lela’s side, he gently disengaged her 
hands from her crochet silks, and laid the work upon 
the table, remarking as he did so : — 

“ Come out into the grounds for a stroll, Lela, please. 
I want a few moments’ uninterrupted conversation with 
you.” 

She readily complied with his request. As they left 
the yard proper, and entered the flowers, he said : — 

“ Lela, I have a request to make of you, about the 
first I have ever made. I wish you to call upon the Dean 
family with me. I know what is right, and proper, and 
according to ‘ good form,’ and I assure you so does Mrs. 
Dean. While Mr. Dean is more indifferent upon these 
points, — Mrs. Dean makes me feel, every time that I 
venture to call, that she recognizes the fact that she and 
her daughter are not receiving what is due them from 
my mother and sisters. I once appealed to the ‘ lady 
mother,’ but met with a curt refusal. She made threats 

39 


40 


BEWARE ! 


of my being ‘ cut off without a cent/ and other dire ca- 
lamities, if I could not raise my matrimonial aspirations 
higher. 

“ I frankly confess that I love Irma Dean. She is 
my equal in many things, my superior in more. Her 
family is the equal of mine in all essential points. Mrs. 
Dean has been a social queen by mother’s own showing, 
but she gave up all when she became a Seventh-day Ad- 
ventist. Of course I dislike that name, and mother cor- 
dially hates both the name and those who bear it. She 
would not own to this, but it is none the less a fact. I 
know you will be pleased with the family, if you can 
lay aside your preconceived dislike, and go with me to 
call this afternoon. I will order a carriage and we will 
take it on Main Street. Will you go?” 

Lela hesitated a moment. She knew she would be 
severely censured by her mother, but this particular 
mother had not so loved and labored, and so builded, 
as to receive from her daughters that obedience of both 
spirit and letter that is every true mother’s due. Then 
Lela knew her mother was wrong. So she decided to ac- 
company Ralph, and frankly told him so. 

Mrs. Hughs was now beginning to reap what she had 
sown. She had thought to bind her children to her by 
her imperial commands, instead of drawing them by the 
silken cord of love. She knew not, nor cared, whose 
heart ached, so her dignity was not compromised, her 
name not lowered in the social scale, nor her design for 
her only son thwarted. She wished him to marry a belle 
and beauty, who was a friend and favorite of her own. 
So we can see what Irma would have to brave, if she 
entered this family. Beware ! Beware ! Beware ! 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


41 


Lela carried out Ralph’s plan by dressing herself has- 
tily, and meeting him in the parlor. They at once pro- 
ceeded to the business part of the city, and took the 
carriage that Ralph had ordered by telephone. Arriving 
at Mr. Dean’s home, they dismissed the carriage, and 
planned to return upon the street car. 

When their cards were presented to Mrs. Dean and 
her daughter, a look of satisfaction was visible upon 
Irma’s face as she passed them to her mother. Of course 
there was nothing left for Mrs. Dean to do but to de- 
scend and receive her callers, which she proceeded at 
once to do. She was followed in a few moments by her 
daughter. After the introductions were over, and Irma’s 
slight shyness had worn off, she ventured to examine 
Lela. She was much pleased, and was glad to note that 
her mother was also favorably impressed. The call was 
prolonged beyond the conventional limit, and all seemed 
to enjoy it. 

As Ralph and his sister reached the street, he eagerly 
inquired : — 

Well, Lela, how do you like them ? Is it not as I 
said?” She replied, “Yes, they are pleasant, cultured 
people, but oh, Ralph, they dress so differently from our 
set. Miss Dean does not even wear corsets. Just think 
what you will have to bear from the ‘ lady mother,’ if 
you persist in this. You will be compelled to bring your 
wife home to live; for the opposition will be so strong 
that our father will not allow you a sufficient amount to 
keep up a stylish establishment of your own, and you 
will be too proud to live in a simpler manner. Now, 
I would say. Look before you leap; for you are not yet 
committed, as I take in the situation.” 


42 


BEWARE ! 


“ No, I have never asked Irma Dean to be my wife, 
but I intend to do so quite soon. She is now through with 
school life. At least, if I can influence her, she is. There 
was once much talk of a ' medical missionary course," 
which was to fit Irma for work in foreign lands, but I 
hear nothing more of it. I said all I dared say against it, 
but in such a manner as not to arouse her opposition. 
Now I must say that Mrs. Dean is as much opposed to 
Ralph Hughs as Mrs. Hughs can possibly be to Irma 
Dean.’" 

“ Yes, but that fact will only make the ' lady mother " 
more bitter, and I fear a stormy time for you. Or, if 
mother should yield seeming consent to your wishes, and 
you should marry, and bring your wife to our home, do 
you not know that our mother and Ada would be so 
cruel in their stabs and innuendoes that they would press 
the very life out of that sweet young girl? Do not sub- 
ject her to this. If you marry her, join your modest 
inheritance with whatever means she can command, and 
establish you a home, and live quietly, and I will be your 
friend, true and tried.” 

“ I thank you, Lela, but I could not bear to see my 
wife live in less style than my mother and sisters. I 
sometimes wish that I had learned a profession, as I once 
desired to do, but mother forbade, and father was weak 
enough to yield, and while I have always had a will of 
my own, — which fact you say my eye bespeaks, — I did 
not bring it to bear in that. However, it is too late now. 
But if I were like the people who make up the body of 
the Adventist denomination, I would calmly proceed to 
do anything of the kind even if I was forty years old. 
I never saw such people.” 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


43 


“ Look out Ralph, you will be an Adventist, yet.’ 

The look of determination often noticed in his gray 
eye leaped into life at this suggestion. 

“Never; and it is my intention to so influence Irma 
Dean, after she is my wife, that much that is .now ec- 
centric and peculiar in her manner and dress, will be over- 
come.” 

We hope the Adventist girl who reads this will stop 
and think. Nay, we pray that she will hesitate ere she 
encourages the advances of anyone who will ever express 
such sentiments as we see entertained by Ralph Hughs. 
Yet, he is everything to be desired, so far as one could 
judge by appearances. Again we say. Beware, Irma, be- 
ware ! Beware, my fair young readers, beware ! Beware, 
fathers, beware ! 

Pray on, faithful mothers, pray on ! 


CHAPTER X. 

Some time elapsed after the call made by Lela and 
her brother upon the Dean family before there were 
further developments, so far as Lela could see. She, 
however, thought there were indications upon Ralph’s 
part that boded no good to Mrs. tiughs’s pet scheme, that 
he should wed her special pet and social favorite, a girl 
older than Ralph, but so well preserved that, seen by gas- 
light, she “ passed muster ” all rig'ht. 

Lela sometimes felt inclined to inform her mother of 
the bitter disappointment that was in store for her; but 
knowing what a storm it would raise about Ralph’s head, 
she waited. 

Ralph went one day to call upon Mr. Dean at his place 
of business, and finding him alone, plunged at once into 
his subject. Pie began by saying, “ Mr. Dean, I have 
called to ask your permission to try to win your daughter 
for my wife. I know that you are surprised, and fear 
that you will object, too. I know that you think that 
it will not do for your daughter to marry a man who holds 
other than your own peculiar religious views, but I feel 
free to say that your daughter’s feelings are as much 
engaged as are my own. I am too much a man of honor 
to have made a proposal to her, without first trying to 
win your consent; but I tell you frankly that she loves 
me. If you oppose, you will give her as much pain as 
myself.” t i t , 

Here he paused. Mr. Dean was shocked; for in spite 
of all that Mrs. Dean had said, he did not think it possible 
44 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


45 


that this was to be the result of the seemingly harmless 
friendship that he for sometime past had been trying 
assure himself was all that existed between his daughter 
and Ralph Hughs. While he had become somewhat un- 
easy of late, he had tried to throw off the feeling; and, 
in fact, he was just enough joined to his old-time idols of 
wealth, position, good blood, etc., to be pleased with 
Ralph Flughs’s slight intimacy with his family. He had 
played with fire, expecting to escape unscorched, but 
now found himself mistaken. O fathers ! is he, of all 
the fathers in our body, alone in this? We fear not. 
Indeed, we know not. More than one panders to the 
polished man of the world, just for pride’s sake, and be- 
cause of a lack of backbone. “ Strait and narrow is the 
way ” indeed, and “ few there be ” who are found walk- 
ing therein. For too strait and too narrow is this way 
to admit of anything but the sinner ; no sin can enter with 
him. No trace of the former life can be permitted to 
linger. One thing after another must be dropped until 
we stand complete in Him, without spot or blemish. 
And we should use no self-deception, for “ all things 
are naked and opened unto the eyes of Flim with whom 
we have to do.’" 

How many are to awaken, as it were, from a pleasant 
dream, as truly as this father was awakened, when it is 
too late to mend the evil done; too late to go back and 
gather up the rays of light and live them out; too late to 
place things back as they once were, much as they may 
wish to do so! 

Thus it was with Mr. Dean. While he was flattered 
with Ralph’s respectful and deferential manner toward 
himself, and rather pleased that a young man of his style 


46 


BEWARE ! 


should call at the house, or step into the family pew at 
church and afterward accompany them home, or be seen 
sometimes walking down town in his company, to the 
slight surprise or possible envy of a brother whom they 
might meet, he had not up to this moment forced him- 
self to face the possible result of all this. Face it now 
he must, and face it at once. He paused a moment 
before answering Ralph, *and 'then said : — 

'' I am sorry, but I can not possibly give you an answer 
until I consult with my wife, and talk earnestly with 
Irma, or have her mother do so.” 

Poor mother ! It is ever the mother who has the 
saddest part to perform. 

Ralph acquiesced in this, of course, and making an 
appointment to meet Mr. Dean at the same hour and 
place the following day, he withdrew; but not before he 
saw that Mr. Dean did not look so favorable upon him in 
the light of a suitor for Irma’s hand as he had hoped. 
This only served to arouse his will, and he became more 
than ever determined to win Irma Dean for his wife. 
His slight vexation boded no good for Irma’s future peace 
of mind, for he said, “ But for her religion, there would be 
no opposition.” 


Beware ! Beware ! 


CHAPTER XL 


As Mr. Dean entered the room where his wife sat 
reading, she at once saw that he was perplexed, and she 
almost intuitively divined the cause. Yet she waited 
for him to speak ; this he did at once. 

“ Well, mother, you were right and I was wrong. I 
risked too much in permitting Mr. Hughs to call here so 
often. He came to see me this morning, and frankly con- 
fessed his love for Irma, and gave me to understand that 
the feeling is mutual. Do you think this is really the case ? 
I know that you have often expressed this fear, but I just 
could not realize the situation. As I said at first, I 
thought Irma too well intrenched to be so easily in- 
fluenced, and I could see no objection to the young man 
as a social acquaintance.” 

Mrs. Dean raised her heart to God in silent prayer 
before replying. It was so hard for her to refrain from 
saying, “ I told you so.” But she did not say it ; nor 
did she burst into the flood of tears that threatened to 
overwhelm her. Instead, she faced the situation calmly, 
and answered, quietly: — 

“ Yes, I think Mr. Hughs is right. I think that our 
daughter’s heart has forever passed from her keeping. 
Whether it has been worthily bestowed or otherwise, 
the future alone can tell. I have endeavored to get you 
to see what I saw, but in vain. It is now too late to do 
aught but make the best of the situation, and accept it as 
it is. Irma will never be received upon a social equality 
by Ralph Hughs’s family. She will enter it under pro- 
test, and I foresee much woe for her. 


47 


48 


BEWARE ! 


1 do not know just what to say. Unless she is fully 
consecrated to the Lord, it will be useless to insist upon 
her giving it all up at this late hour. If she had been 
fully converted, she would never have yielded to the 
tempter, and given her heart outside the fold. Long 
and earnestly have I talked and prayed with her. She is 
just as sweet and gentle as can be, but I see that she loves 
with the first and only love of her fair young life. No 
one else has ever thrown a shadow across her young 
heart. 

“ O my husband, you were short-sighted when you 
influenced me to permit her to first visit where she met 
such men as Mr. Hughs. She told me that at Sister 

B ’s, where she was invited to dine, there were courses 

of flesh meats served : baked fish with white sauce, 
mutton roast, with lentil gravy, and roast turkey with 
cranberry sauce. Of course, she did not touch these; 
but I doubt not that Mr. Hughs thinks such things are 
common among us, and will be very much surprised when 
Irma steadfastly refuses to partake of such food. 

“ Woe unto those who have the light upon these 
points, and walk not in it ! Woe unto those who place 
such food upon their tables at this time! O my God, 
help them, that they may not become stumbling-stones in 
the cause of Christ. When will the lusting for flesh — 

the ‘ bloody morsel,’ as Dr. K so fitly puts it — be 

taken away from our people? I saw in a secular paper 
of yesterday that in this State the fish in a certain reserve 
were dying by the hundreds, their gills actually rotting 
with a disease which corresponds in character to con- 
sumption in the human family; it was thus pronounced 
by those who investigated the matter. The outside 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


49 


world, even, recognizes that there is something dreadful 
imminent. When our people see and know this, and more, 
— that is, they know what these things mean, — and then 
persist in using milk, butter, eggs, flesh, fish, and fowl, 
I think they may expect to receive retribution here in this 
life; and surely those who persist in this course will not 
have a home in the earth made new. O my merciful 
Heavenly Father, help us to ‘ cleanse the camp,’ and to 
put out every ‘ golden wedge,’ and every ‘ Babylonish 
garment.’ Help, I pray thee, that we may soon become 
a ' peculiar people ’ indeed, and most ‘ zealous of good 
works.’ But good works will be void of effect without 
right living. To eat and drink to the glory of God is 
the thing now, and it is the point where those who fall 
by the way, will first fail. 

“ When will we sense our danger and ^ flee the 
wrath to come ’ ? Already there are strange diseases 
abroad in the land. The ordinary physician does not 
know what to say or do in the face of these things; but 
we know that all this is only another sign of the times. 
My Father, help, that we in truth ‘ prepare to meet our 
God.’ 

“ I am almost too sad to talk with Irma, but if you 
think best, of course I will try. Pray that strength and 
wisdom be given me.” 


4 


CHAPTER XIL 


Mrs. Dean slowly and sadly left the room, and going 
to her own apartment fell upon her knees, and poured 
out her soul in prayer to God. She cried aloud for help, 
for strength, and for wisdom. Long and earnestly she 
besought the Lord to help her dear neighbors and friends 
to see what she saw in regard to healthful living. She 
begged the Lord to have mercy upon those who, she felt, 
had set their table as a snare, as it were, and had been 
instrumental in bringing her beloved child in contact 
with the worldly element from which she had striven so 
hard to protect her. 

After becoming more composed, she sought her 
daughter. Irma sat looking dreamily out of the western 
window. The landscape was indeed entrancing; for the 
sun was just sinking out of sight, leaving the horizon 
all crimson and gold. But the young girl did not seem to 
be drinking in the beauty before her. She was out of 
tune with the divine harmony, so was not in touch with 
nature, grand and glorious as it was. Irma started 
slightly as her mother, after gently rapping, entered the 
room ; nor did she at once meet that mother’s earnest look 
bent so lovingly upon her. 

“ I hope your communion with your Elder Brother is 
free and sweet, my dear. It is just at this hour that we 
have the glorious privilege of mingling our prayers with 
the incense being offered by the angels in heaven. Shall 
we bow and worship together ? ” 

Irma fell upon her knees sobbing; her gentle mother 
50 


BEWARE ! 


51 


kneeled by her side encircling her form with those loving 
mother arms. Oh, how that mother yearned over her 
child ! How readily she would have sacrificed life itself 
to spare her child one pang of grief ; yet how little she 
could do to shield if that child would not permit the 
shielding. The scene and prayer were too sacred for any 
but angel eyes and ears. 

After some moments we find them sitting side by side, 
hand clasped in hand, and the mother endeavoring to 
perform her duty. She gently said: — 

“ Irma, this morning Mr. Hughs sought a private 
interview with your father. Can you not imagine the 
purport of this interview? Do you not know what the 
subject of the conversation was? Be frank, my daughter, 
painful as you must know this to be to your mother.” 

Irma threw herself into her mother’s outstretched 
arms, and exclaimed : — 

“ O mama, I wish I had not gone to Sister B ’s 

to that ice-cream supper and afterward to that dinner. 
I knew that you were not aware then how worldly was 
the element of her home. It was there that I first met 
Mr. Hughs, for he is ever an honored guest in that home ; 
and they are so little like the stricter members of the fold 
that he scarcely noticed any difference in them and his 
own ‘ set.’ It was not until he began to visit here and 
know you that the great difference became apparent to 
him, and then it was too late for us both. Mama, 
what am I to do? I have fought against this. I wish 
papa had said, “ No,” when Mr. Hughs first wrote to 

call. But papa knew of his intimacy with Sister B ’s 

family, and I think papa was pleased that h^ should call 
here, too,'* 


52 


BEWARE ! 


Mrs. Dean earnestly wished that her husband could 
have heard this from Irma’s lips, for the wife knew it to 
be only too true. Are there any other Mr. Deans in the 
fold ? Mrs. Dean continued : — 

“ I suppose he has acted strictly honorable with you, 
has he, Irma ; that is, he has not yet spoken to you ? ” 

“ Not in so many words, mama, has he asked me to 
be his wife, but in many ways he has made known his 
feelings towatd me.” 

“ I suppose then, you have made your choice, between 
him and your God, so to speak ? or, at least, between wife- 
hood and your at one time chosen life work, that of a for- 
eign missionary ? I hear nothing more of your desire to 
take the course when school opens this next session.” 

O mama, when I first knew him, and heard him 
talk of foreign lands, I then thought the delight of my 
life would be to take the missionary course, become a 
foreign missionary, and — yes, I confess the dream was 
not complete without him as a helper.” 

“ But he does not approve of all this, I suppose,” said 
the mother. 

“ Now, mama, do you not know that he has never 
dared to say what he approved or disapproved ? ” Here 
Irma paused abruptly. 

, “ No, possibly not in so many words, as you say, yet 
my little daughter feels satisfied that, if she becomes the 
wife of the aristocratic Mr. Hughs, foreign missionary 
work for her will have to remain ‘ foreign,’ indeed. Is 
this not so ? ” 

A wave of crimson swept over Irma’s face, but she 
bowed her head in assent. 

“ My daughter, what more can I say to you than I 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


53 


have said already? You must realize the fact that you 
will be received into the Hughs family under protest, as 
one. might say. In fact, you may not be received at all, 
and may be instrumental in bringing great sorrow upon 
the young man who has won your love. Do you think 
you can be brave, and keep the Sabbath day holy in his 
palatial home? I recognize the fact that he will never 
consent to dwell with us ; you, of course, will have to go 
with him. Are you prepared for the ordeal? Can you 
sit at his table, and refuse the flesh foods that will be 
offered you, and endure the polite snubbing you will 
receive in consequence of your persistent refusal of such 
things, and in consequence of your dress, and observance 
of the seventh-day Sabbath? I, of course, could insist 
that your father bring parental authority to bear, and 
that this all be given up, but that is not the way God deals 
with his creatures ; and should earthly parents be less 
merciful ? As I have tried so often to put all this before 
you, I do not think you will take the step unwarned. And 
I say to you again, my little girl. Beware ! ” ' 

“ O mama, do you not think that my influence might 
bring him into the truth? He surely will not object to 
my keeping the Sabbath, or eating or drinking as I wish, 
or as God says.” 

“ This very remark, my dear, shows how very little 
you understand human nature, or the strength of Satan’s 
power.” 

Well, mama, I know of one sister whose husband 
has been a saloon keeper, and he was converted, and is 
now superintendent of their Sabbath school.” 

“ Possibly so. It is not impossible, but very improb- 
able, and Mr. Hughs occupies a very different position 


54 


BEWARE ! 


to that brother of whom you speak; Mr. Hughs is in a 
position to be self-satisfied. Nothing of the ordinary will 
be likely to disturb his equanimity. If the calm is ever 
broken, somebody’s heart will be broken, too. But I 
will not prophesy more. God be iherciful to us all.” 

“ But, mama, there is Sister A ; look at her hus- 

band, how he is gradually coming to the Lord ; how good 
and kind and liberal he is to her; how he provides for 
her, and attends all the camp meetings, and does so much 
by the distribution of literature and many other ways to 
advance God’s cause. Do you think that an exceptional 
case, too ? ” 

“ Indeed, I do. You can never endure what she has 
borne; and then, she did not marry out of the faith, but 
was found of the truth long years after her marriage. 
So she has God and his Word and all the holy angels 
upon her side, and will win at last, I doubt not ; but had 
she, with the light upon the subject that we have, wed out 
of the faith, then her fate would have been upon her 
own head.” 

The mother left the daughter here, and Irma seemed 
to hear. Beware ! Beware ! Beware ! whispered in every 
passing breeze ! 


CHAPTER XIIL 


After Mrs. Dean left Irma, she sought her husband. 
Long and earnestly they counseled together. Humbly 
they bowed and prayed. They did not dare so much to ask 
God’s blessing as his mercy; just to be merciful to them 
all. Mr. Dean now saw that his wife had been right 
from the very first, from the time she objected to her 
daughter’s visiting with those so worldly minded as to 
have introduced into their home-life all the customs and 
ways of the outside world ; and he now began to see that 
those who would indulge appetite at any cost were, in- 
deed, in a dangerous position, that their feet were in 
“ slippery places.” 

After arising, humbled and subdued, from their knees, 
they decided that the best plan would be to allow Irma 
and Ralph to decide, trusting to Irma’s well-grounded 
love for the Sabbath and her tenacious principles of 
health reform to enable her not only to stand firm herself, 
but to help others to take a stand for the truth. That 
was their only consolation now. 

They probably felt somewhat like Mary and Joseph 
did, when they went so far on their journey before miss- 
ing the child Jesus. All at once they awoke to the fact 
that they, too, had had a precious charge, but that through 
neglect, through carelessness, it had passed into the pos- 
session of another. 

Dear Sabbath-keeping mothers and fathers, let us put 
on the whole armor of God, and stand with our faces to 
the foe. Let us be faithful in the little things, lest more 

55 


56 


BEWARE ! 


of us have the sad awakening which Mr. and Mrs. 
Dean had. 

Ralph Hughs was prompt at the hour appointed for 
his interview with Mr. Dean, and received a more cordial 
greeting than he had dared to hope for. After an earnest 
conversation between the two men it was decided that 
Ralph should call to see Irma that evening. Ele was 
very grateful indeed for the consideration Mr. Dean, had 
shown him, and so expressed himself as he took his leave. 

As the hour drew near for this momentous interview, 
Irma was greatly agitated. She wept and prayed by 
turns, but not once did she waver in her feeling toward 
Mr. Hughs. Her gentle mother’s subdued, saddened, but 
loving face was before her continually, shutting out al- 
most everything else. As she dressed herself, once more, 
as upon the evening of Ralph’s first call, she stood and 
looked long and earnestly at her own sweet young face 
reflected in her mirror. She saw something in the reflec- 
tion now that was not there upon the first occasion ; that 
is, a troubled look in the dark brown eyes, and dark circles 
beneath them, denoting wakeful nights and much weep- 
ing. Again she hesitated before descending, almost per- 
suaded to forego this costly pleasure, — to do right for 
right’s own sake, and most of all, for Jesus’ sake; to be 
true to her mother’s God in word, thought, and deed. 
But the tempter was there : the vision of the future arose 
to her view so barren. Should this sweet young dream 
be snatched from her. And not being of the material of 
which martyrs are made, again she yielded, and went to 
decide her own destiny. Oh, sad but true, to decide for 
one’s self, to choose, as it were, and then deliberately 
follow that choice, and yet, when woe and heartache come. 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


57 


to protest against the mysterious dispensation of Provi- 
dence, and try to throw it all back upon the dear Lord. 

If Irma marries Ralph Hughs, and enters his cold, 
cruel, cynical family, she will either develop a martyr- 
like spirit, or be forced to the other extreme, to give up 
all that is godly, all that is noble, all that makes life worth 
the living. Which will it be ? Dear young reader, 
which ? 

Beware 1 v 


CHAPTER XIV. 


As upon the occasion of Ralph’s first call, he, this 
evening, was shown into the library, where he found the 
family assembled. After the usual greetings, he, in a 
manly way, went over and stood by Irma’s side, and 
said : — 

“ I suppose. Miss Dean, that your parents have ac- 
quainted you with my desires.” 

He paused, and his eyes rested questioningly upon 
Irma’s pale face. She bowed. 

“And what is to be my fate ? ” he asked. 

Irma felt that the eyes of her parents were bent ear- 
nestly upon her, and she knew that God and the holy 
angels were looking on. Her mind swept back to Eden, 
and to the happy pair ere sin entered. She knew she was 
venturing upon dangerous ground ; for she realized it was 
risking much to link her fate, her life’s interest, with an 
ungodly man, who was not even a believer in the peculiar 
faith which was the characteristic of her family. Yet 
so strong is the love of the natural heart that when Ralph 
extended his hand toward her she for a moment allowed 
her own to rest upon his palm, thus committing herself. 
At this moment her mother and father, in turn, with tear- 
ful eyes and trembling lips, pressed a loving kiss upon 
Irma’s brow, and clasped hands with Ralph. Thus was 
Irma betrothed to the man of her choice. But Mr. Dean 
did not let the occasion pass without speaking fully to 
Ralph about the tenets of the faith held by Irma, and in 
closing said : — 

58 


BEWARE ! 


59 


“ Be it understood, Mr. Hughs, that you will place no 
restrictions upon my daughter as to her keeping holy 
the Sabbath of the Lord, nor try to coerce her into using 
a class of foods not blessed of the Lord.” 

“ She shall use her own pleasure in those things, sir. 
Of course I have known all the time that you observed the 
seventh day, and considered it holy, but as to your ex- 
treme views in regard to food, I know nothing. It is 
true, I have taken dinner and attended entertainments at 

your friend, Mrs. B ’s ; and it was there, you know, 

that I first met your daughter. But I assure you that her 
table was spread with much the same food, and served in 
much the same manner, that is to be observed in other 
families of like means.” 

Mrs. Dean bowed her head and wept, while Mr. Dean 
said, “ I fear this is all too true.” Ralph continued : 
“ Why, yes, upon one occasion, I know she even served 
ham. It was to a wealthy young guest, who ate no other 
kind of meat. I saw this myself. Though I am not pre- 
pared for your straight-laced ideas as regards your daugh- 
ter’s diet, I assure you I shall let her choose for herself.” 

Ralph could not help thinking with a pang of his 
mother and Ada, but his heart warmed when he thought 
of Lela. 

Oh woman ! What an opportunity for good or evil is 
yours ! Beware how you use or abuse your opportunities ! 

We should be sorry to stand in that woman’s place 
who, to pander to the perverted appetite of a wealthy 
young guest, placed that forbidden food upon her table. 

Mrs. Dean here spoke for the first time. She said: 

Mr. Hughs, in direct contrast to the incident you have 
just related, I wish to give you an experience of my own; 


6o 


BEWARE ! 


something which occurred at my own table. I had a lady 
friend living in a city a short distance from my home, 
of whom I was very fond, and who returned my fondness 
with interest. She sent me word that upon a certain Sun- 
day she and her husband would drive over and take dinner 
with me. That in itself should not have been a surprising 
fact in a well-regulated household ; but as my friend 
had never been seated at a table where hygienic food was 
served, and, what was sadder still, her husband, while 
an exceedingly intelligent man, was an infidel, the situa- 
tion became serious. I had a severe conflict with myself. 
Should I, to pander to his perverted taste, set such food 
upon my table as I knew to be condemned by the Word 
of God, the laws of hygiene, and moreover by good com- 
mon sense? or, should I stand firm, and serve a dinner to 
the glory of God? 

“ Now, while my husband was not at that time fully 
converted to the whole truth as taught in the Word of 
God, he was ever good and kind to me, so I was permitted 
to serve my God without hindrance on this point. But 
upon this occasion he was disturbed, and said: ‘ You will 
at least serve roast fowl, will you not?’ I said, ' No.^ 
When I led my guests into my dining-room, with which 
I had taken great pains for the occasion, I saw my hus- 
band gave my table a quick glance, and detected a look of 
satisfaction spread over his face, which relieved me, I 
assure you. As the dinner was served, my friend was 
won completely. She was at first tolerant of the food, 
then pleased, next delighted, lastly enthusiastic. The 
thoroughly cooked legumes were a revelation to her, as 
were the many varieties of delightful breads, all un- 
leavened; a beautiful cake, also unleavened, except by air; 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


6i 


quite a variety of fruits and nuts, and nut preparations, 
caramel coffee, etc. No flesh, fowl, or fish, milk, butter, 
or eggs were upon the table. The last course, which con- 
sisted of home-canned peaches with almond cream, ac- 
companied by cake and wine, — the pure juice of the 
grape, — seemed to be much relished, especially by my 
friend’s husband. 

“After dinner she turned to me, and said : “ What a 
dinner ! A repast fit for a queen ; and nothing suffered, 
nothing shed its blood, or yielded up its life, to furnish 
the feast. I am a convert to your ideas of proper diet. 
It is simply delicious.’ Nor could her husband say her 
‘ nay ; ’ he even looked approval. And so ended the tri- 
umph of my life in that line ; for I had stood firm, dope 
my duty, and came out victorious. I had entertained 
my friends and glorified my God, all through the power of 
Jesus, who strengthened me. Oh, 'I would that Sister 

B had been so sustained, and not have brought this 

reproach upon the Saviour’s cause ! ” 

As Mrs. Dean ceased speaking, her face was fairly 
illuminated, and Ralph experienced a feeling of awe, such 
as he felt the evening he heard Irma pray. 


- CHAPTER XV. 

Ralph felt that really the hardest thing in store for 
liim yet remained to be met, and that was to come to an 
understanding with his own family, especially with his 
imperious, cool-calculating, unwomanly mother. To com- 
bat her prejudices he felt to be a Herculean task. But 
his Napoleon-like will came to his aid, and he deter- 
mined to set about the task at once. So, soon after 
breakfast on the morning following his betrothal to Irma, 
he sought his mother; knowing that he had less to fear 
from his father than from her, he preferred to brave 
it out with the “ lady mother ” first. As Ralph entered 
his mother’s apartment, she instinctively felt that he had 
something of importance to say, and she was not entirely 
surprised as to its character, for she had felt for some 
time that a crisis was coming. 

Ralph, as was his way, went at once to the point, 
saying : — 

Mother, you positively refused to recognize Miss 
Dean, as Miss Dean. I hope the same condition will not 
exist when she is no longer Miss Dean, but Mrs. Ralph 
Hughs; in other words^, when she is my wife; this I in- 
tend she shall be just as soon as it is convenient for her.” 

The look that leaped into the eyes of Mrs. Hughs, 
was, to a close observer, ominous indeed, ominous of pain 
and woe for Irma Dean, the innocent cause of the fall 
of Mrs. Hughs’s beautiful castles built for Ralph’s future. 
To see him wedded to the soulless, china-doll beauty 
who was the reigning bclk of th^ season, the idol of thi§ 
62 


BEWARE ! 63 

social set, would have been an exquisite pleasure to his 
ambitious mother. To be foiled in her pet scheme, and 
by an Adventist girl, was just a little more than Mrs. 
Hughs could bear with equanimity. But she was too 
politic to let her real feelings again appear upon the sur- 
face, for she perceived that Ralph had taken his stand, 
and knowing him as she did, she felt that it would be 
useless to say much any way. She had already used the 
most powerful lever, according to her way of thinking, 
and that was the threat to influence his father to disin- 
herit him, and as that failed, she did not see what could 
succeed. So she discreetly held her peace, and waited 
early date, and ended by saying : — 

“ Miss Dean has consented to be my wife, but she 
knows nothing of your bitter prejudices. If she did, I 
do not suppose I could induce her to enter the family. 
Of course, both she and her well-bred mother know that 
they have been practically ignored by you so far. But, 
mother, again I appeal to the heart within you; please 
lay aside your prejudices, come out, and do what is right; 
call upon Mrs. Dean and her daughter. Will you not do 
that for me, your only son ? Surely you will ! ” 

Not one line of Mrs. Hughs’s face softened ; not one 
bit of the fire in her eye abated. No, not a spark of love- 
light could be seen there; no response to the heart-cry 
of her boy. Oh, woman, of what are you made? Ada- 
mant could be no more unyielding than you prove your- 
self to be. How can you refuse to grant your son’s rea- 
sonable request ? 

As Ralph perceived that the effort was useless, he 
desisted, and arising, said : — 


64 


BEWARE ! 


“ I will leave you to break the news to Ada. Lela 
is in my confidence. I shall appeal to my father; I be- 
lieve he has more tenderness and consideration for me 
than you, my mother. Mother, indeed,” he murmured 
through clinched teeth, as he descended the stairs two 
at a time. He at once sought his father, who at this early 
hour was sure to be in the library. 

As Ralph approached Mr. Hughs, the young man 
thought that if his father turned as coldly from him as 
had his mother, he would simply walk out, and never 
return to that elegant pile of brick known as “ Hughs, 
the banker’s, place,” but which had never been a home 
in the true sense of the word. “ Home is where there is 
one to love us; home is where there is some to cheer.” 
This had not been the case in the Hughs household. The 
father’s one object had been to amass a colossal fortune, 
in which he had succeeded. He thereby heaped together 
treasures for the “ last days,” not knowing, poor rich 
man, of the woe pronounced upon those so engaged. 
The mother lived ior pride, as he had for wealth. To 
shine in the “ four hundred,” to be known as the most 
elegantly dressed woman in her “ set,” to give the most 
stylish entertainments, to own the finest turn-out on Main 
Street, and to see her daughters the admired of the ad- 
mired,— 7 all these were the sum total of her existence. 
Lela was the only one at all inclined to sympathize with 
or aid Ralph ; for Ada was not behind her mother in 
anything. 

And it was into this soil that our Irma, by her own 
choosing, was about to be transplanted. Beware ! Oh, 
beware ! 


CHAPTER XVI. 


As we left Ralph approaching his father, we will re- 
turn and know the result. 

Mr. Hughs looked up in a surprised manner as his 
son took a seat by his side. Ralph at once began by 
saying, “ Father, I know that we have never been con- 
fidential or sentimental with each other, and all that sort 
of thing; but you are at least my father, and have a 
human heart in your breast. It would probably have been 
best had I come to you in confidence long months ago; 
but I do come now, and I hope you will not treat me as 
my mother treated me — with absolute cruelty. She is 
as polished as an icicle^ and just about as cold. O father! 
do help a boy ! ” 

Mr. Hughs softened as his son spoke, and though 
he wondered if Ralph, with all his dignity, had been get- 
ting into debt, or falling into any of the vices so com- 
mon among young men, he was prepared to be lenient, 
at least, and listened with interest as Ralph continued : — 
“ Father, do you think it an unpardonable sin to love a 
girl without having the rules and regulations of the af- 
fair planned for you by the ‘ four hundred ’ ? Do you 
think you would have been satisfied to have someone else 
choose your wife, or would you have enjoyed having a 
voice in the matter yourself ? ’’ 

The mind of Mr. Hughs reverted to his young days, 
when he loved to idolatry the proud, imperious beauty 
who no doubt wedded him for his dollars. But love her 
in those days he did ; and as she had never really loved, 
5 65 


66 


BEWARE ! 


the father could enter into the son’s feelings much better 
than could the mother. So Mr. Hughs concealed his 
surprise as best he coul(J, and said : — 

“ Well, my son, I should like to choose for myself, 
as I did; and I suppose, from the drift of your conver- 
sation, that you have taken the liberty to do likewise, 
and thereby offended the ‘ lady mother.’ Come, is that 
the situation ? ” 

“ Yes, sir,” said Ralph ; “ that is the situation with a 
vengeance. Can you, or will you, give me your approval, 
thereby silencing the whole ‘ set ’ in a body ? ” 

“ I rather think I shall,” said Mr. Hughs ; “ but let’s 
hear the particulars. I thought that you were booked for 
Miss Golden, who is your mother’s ideal of all that is 
desirable in a woman. Have you gone out of the ^ set ’ ? 
Have you, indeed, been so thoroughly original as to love 
a flesh-and-blood woman? If so, I am interested, and 
enlisted upon your side at once.” 

“ Yes,” said Ralph, ‘‘ I have dared to step out alone, 
and am therefore to receive the ‘ cut direct,’ I suppose. 

Not if I know myself,” said the father. “ But you 
have not yet told me the name of the maiden fair.” 

'Ralph still hesitated. “Well, father, you will be sur- 
prised, to say the least, when I tell you that she is the 
only daughter of an intelligent, refined Adventist family, 
living on the opposite side of the city from us. Miss 
Irma Dean is the name. I shall not go into rhapsodies 
over her at all, but I wish you could meet her, and judge 
for yourself.” 

“Why, Ralph, this is a surprise, indeed,” replied his 
father. “ I was prepared to hear that the girl of your 
choice was poor, but as to this Adventist business, you 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


67 


do not know so much of that as I do. They are all a 
lot of time-setting fanatics. I know whereof I speak. 
Your grandfather has told me all about the stir they 
created in religious circles away back in the ‘ forties.’ ” 
“ Yes, I know,” said Ralph ; “ but, father, Mr. Dean 
explains that even, as being a fulfillment of prophecy; 
and I am sure that need not cause you to dislike Miss 
Dean, who, like myself, was not born for a generation 
after that occurrence. Now do not be like all the others, 
ready to condemn everything connected with the Ad- 
ventist people, even before you come to know them.” 

Mr. Hughs shook his head, and remained silent for 
some time. At last he said : — 

“ Ralph, those people do not even eat, drink, nor 
dress like the world to which you belong. My son, I 
think you will place yourself in a very painful position, 
knowing your mother as you do, if you bring into the 
bosom of our family a girl as totally unlike your sisters, 
as my imagination leads me to suppose Miss Dean to be. 
However, it is not for me to suppose, nor oppose too 
severely even this step; for, as I said, I am enlisted in 
your favor.” 

Ralph felt that he had gained much, and told his 
father that he greatly appreciated the position he had 
taken. He said it was his desire to be married at an 
early date, and ended by saying: — 

“ I suppose, father, you can at least influence the ' lady 
mother ’ to attend my marriage. As you say, I will be 
compelled to bring my wife to your home for the present, 
and I do not see how I can induce her to come if my 
mother persists to the end in ignoring Miss Dean’s exist- 
ence, as has been the case so far.” 


68 


BEWARE ! 


“ Bias she not yet called upon the family with you ? ** 
inquired Mr. Hughs. 

“ No, indeed,” said Ralph. 

“ Well, never mind ; I will see that my only son is 
treated with due respect, at least as far as appearances 
go,” replied his father. “ Now, I must go to my office. 
I suppose your allowance is sufficient for your immediate 
expenses ? ” 

Yes, sir, thank you,” said Ralph. 

Thus it was that the bomb was burst in the Hughs 
family. 

We will next listen to a conversation between Ada 
and her excited mother. It took place in Ada’s private 
apartment. Mrs. Hughs entered the room, and as far 
as was consistent with her dignity, ^ banged the door 
after her. 

Ada threw a French novel on the table, and ex- 
claimed : — 

“ Why, mama ! how you startled me ! I was up until 
two o’clock last night at the ball, and arose at eleven 
this morning ; so you see I am nervous. Please be seated, 
and then try to tell me what the trouble is ; for your face 
indicates something serious indeed.” 

Yes, ‘ something serious indeed,’ it is,” said Mrs. 
Hughs. “ Can you credit your senses when I tell you 
that Ralph is to be married soon, and to that Miss Dean 
of whom he once spoke to us? His father has laid his 
commands upon me that we all at once prepare to attend 
the wedding in the most approved manner, under the 
penalty of having our allowance stopped, and losing our 
trip to Europe, if we refuse. Just to think of that girl. 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 69 

who dresses like a Quakeress and eats like a Jewess, 
being forced into my family in any such manner 1 ” 

Ada was all life now. “ Why, mama, I thought Ralph 
had come to his senses, and would do as you wished, 
and secure the hand and fortune of Miss Golden.” 

“ So I had hoped ; but alas, my hopes were in vain,” 
said her mother. “ This is a stern reality.” 

Here Mrs. Hughs came as near breaking down as 
Ada had ever seen her; and while the daughter pressed 
a bit of lace to her own eyes, she sought to comfort the 
outwitted, worldly-minded, ambitious woman who sat by 
her side. 

“ Well, mama, let us make the best of it. I suppose 
Miss Dean will be easily subdued and held in check, and 
I think you and I can manage her. As for Lela, I fear 
she has ‘ gone over to the, enemy for I believe she is 
Ralph’s ally.” 

Mrs. Hughs took some comfort from the idea that 
she and Ada could soon subdue Irma; but the thought 
that she had to bend to her husband’s iron will and make 
at least a show of tolerance, was just about the bitterest 
cup that this vain woman had ever had pressed to her 
lips, and the venom engendered by the situation boded no 
good for poor little Irma. 

Oh, beware ! Dear Sabbath-keeping girls, beware ! 


CHAPTER XVII. 


Once more Ralph was in the library at the home of 
the Deans, with Mr. and Mrs. Dean and Irm.a present. 
This time he was earnestly pleading with Irma and her 
parents that he be permitted to lead Irma to the altar 
at an early day. So eloquently did he portray the situa- 
tion, saying that he could not settle down to any duty 
until Irma became his wife, that at last he received a 
reluctant consent, and a date just prior to the holidays 
was decided upon for the marriage. 

Mrs. Dean then spoke of Ralph’s promise that Irma 
should be permitted to keep holy the Sabbath day. Again 
Ralph reiterated this promise, and Irma’s young heart 
grew light and buoyant. She began to think that mama 
and Aunt Prudence took too extreme views of the whole 
thing. She began to think that it would be an easy matter 
to get Ralph to see the Sabbath truth, to give up the use 
of swine’s flesh and his fine cigars ; in fact, that it would 
be easy to mold him anew, as it were; and by her own 
influence and example she hoped soon to induce him to 
become a regular worshiper in her own church. So hope- 
ful are the young; so easily they deceive themselves, and 
mistake their own desires for the leading of the Spirit. 

Irma was willing to do right, and anxious to obey 
her parents, provided duty and desire could walk hand 
in hand. She was deceived; for she thought that she 
was willing to let desire wait upon duty, while duty 
should influence her first of all. O Irma, sweet, young 
self-deceiver ! So it is, when we play with fire, our gar- 
70 


BEWARE ! 


71 


ments are spotted, we can not escape the result. Dear 
child, you will “ tread the wine press alone ” before you 
are ready to do your duty regardless of circumstances. 

Why will our youth not be guided in word, thought, 
and deed by those older and more experienced than they ? 
We have in mind a mother whose sons heeded not her 
counsel. O my Father ! what we have witnessed of that 
mother’s soul agony would make angels weep. And fear- 
ful indeed were the results of the heedlessness of those 
youths ; yet God in mercy permitted them to be chas- 
tened, that they should learn to fear the Lord, and thereby 
learn wisdom. For “ the fear of the Lord is the begin- 
ning of wisdom.” But “ perfect love casteth out fear.” 
O my Father, speed the day when our youth will be per- 
fect before thee, loving thee supremely above all earth’s 
idols, above all clay, having no desire but to glorify thy 
name, no ambition but to excel in works for thee, no in- 
centive but love for Jesus. If our noble youth can reach 
this plane, then is Satan vanquished indeed. It is so true 
that he at this time works mightily through our youth, 
knowing that if he can capture the rising generation, he 
will have a power indeed. 

O young readers, arise as one body, gird on the 
whole armor of God, stand with your face to the foe, 
bid him open defiance, and rally around the banner, with 
Jesus for your Captain. Words could not express what 
we see and feel and fear in regard to the youth in the fold 
just now. We see how they are bowing as votaries at 
fashion’s shrine, conforming to the ways of the world in 
customs and manners, being led away by perverted ap- 
petite to indulge in sweetmeats and rich confectioneries; 
and too often they are led on by those older and supposed 


72 


BEWARE ! 


to be wiser. Even physicians and nurses furnish candies 
as refreshments when helpers are kept up later than usual 
at night. We are not on the alert as is the enemy. Oh, 
may we all awake to do our full duty ! - Then we can 
safely leave the consequences with God; otherwise some 
one’s blood will be upon our heads. So to all we say, 
Beware ! 


CHAPTER XVIIL 


The earth was covered with its ermine mantle. It 
seemed as if all nature was wrapped in a winding sheet. 
Never had the cold been so intense. The suffering among 
the poor was appalling. Liberally did Mr. Dean give of 
his means to individuals, and to aid the Life-saving 
Mission in its efforts to rescue the perishing; for he be- 
lieved in multiplication by division. Mrs. Dean was often 
seen with basket in hand, Job-like, seeking out those of 
whom she knew not. And what of Irma? As the time 
drew near for her to leave the home of her happy girl- 
hood, she seemed to cling to that home with more devo- 
tion than ever before. She now began to realize that 
blessings brighten as they take their flight; yet she, too, 
went often upon errands of mercy for sweet charity's 
sake. But she seemed happiest when alone in parlor, 
library, or bedchamber, thinking, always thinking, of the 
momentous step Sihe was about to take ; and the time for 
that step drew rapidly near. 

Her elegant though quiet wedding gown was com- 
pleted and at home. She held her breath with something 
akin to awe when she looked upon it for the first time, 
and she could but think of a burial robe, so pure and 
white was the shimmering thing. But she strove to put 
aside every sad foreboding, and look forward with joy 
to her new life ; and she would have been happy indeed, 
had the man of her choice been one of the faithful few 
who are striving to live so as to be of that company 
brought to view in Rev. 15:2. But as this was not so, 

73 


74 


BEWARE ! 


she hugged to her young heart the bright, delusive dream 
of woman’s influence being so potent as to accomplish 
that which the Spirit of God alone can perform. Your 
dream is sweet, dear child. God help you at the awak- 
ening. 

We will now listen to a conversation which took place 
between Irma and her mother a few days before her 
marriage. Aunt Prudence, who was a maiden sister of 
Mrs. Dean’s mother, had arrived; she came that she 
might sustain and comfort Mrs. Dean during the com- 
ing ordeal. Irma had gone early to her room ; in a short 
time she was joined by both her mother and Aunt Pru- 
dence. Irma busied herself by little nothings for several 
moments, seeming loath to seat herself at the cozy grate, 
where her mother and aunt sat conversing in subdued 
tones. They both seemed sad of late, and it is no wonder. 
At last Irma could find no further excuse for lingering 
at her dresser or table, so she took a low rocker a little 
apart from Mrs. Dean and Aunt Prudence. It was then 
that her mother said : — 

“ My daughter, let us kneel, and seek the Lord very 
earnestly ; for I feel that we each have great need of his 
sustaining grace at this time.” 

Without a word Irma sank upon her knees, and 
burying her face in her hands sobbed quietly, while both 
her aunt and her mother prayed in turn. She then tried 
to follow, but broke down, and quietly wept. As they 
arose from their knees, Mrs. Dean gently drew Irma to 
a seat, and said : — 

“ One more heart-to-heart talk with mama, dear. 
You are my own little girl yet; but only a few days now, 
and mama’s arms will be empty; no little curly head 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


75 


to pillow on my breast ; no willing feet to step lightly to 
do mother’s slightest wish. My home will be left unto me 
desolate. O, I know that you are going to protest that 
you will be my ‘ same little Irma ; ’ that you will ‘ come 
every day ; ’ that you will love me ‘ just the same/ and all 
such things ; and you are sincere, too, and really think 
that you will be gentle, sweet Irma Dean to the end. 
But you will find yourself sadly mistaken, my dear.” 

It is impossible for a young girl to know the heart- 
ache of a fond mother when that mother is called upon 
to resign into a man’s hands that most sacred of all 
earthly treasures, a pure, peerless young daughter. No 
wonder so many mothers weep as if they were attending 
a funeral instead of a wedding, when they see their 
daughters stand up to link their fate for time and eternity 
with that of man. How few prove true to the trust! 
How few men can realize all that it means to take a girl 
from her childhood home, from her mother’s arms 1 How 
few there are who can in any sense enter into Mrs. Dean’s 
feelings, as she sat and looked with streaming eyes upon 
Irma’s face ! A mother’s heart is a wonderful thing, and 
a true mother would give its best blood to promote her 
child’s happiness ; so thought Mrs. Dean as she sat with 
her treasure, her only child, clasped closely in her arms. 
The mother felt that she would be resigning the greater 
part of her own life, joy, and earthly happiness in giving 
up this bright, winsome, loving creature, to even a de- 
vout, God-fearing Sabbath-keeper; but to give her up 
under existing circumstances seemed just now more than 
her mother-heart could bear. Not wishing to sadden 
Irma’s young life more, she controlled her emotions, and 
said : — 


76 


BEWARE ! 


“ My child, I am like Paul, I know that you will have 
* sorrow in the flesh,’ but I spare you. There is one thing, 
however, of which I must speak. We have had too many 
pure, earnest conversations upon this one theme to let 
false modesty creep in now. You know that I was de- 
sirous that you should be married to some godly young 
man, who was wholly consecrated to the Lord, so that 
you could give your entire time to missionary work, 
and not be compelled to assume the duties of motherhood 
at all. You know my ideas upon this subject. I am 
sure the time is passed when helpless infants should be 
born into the Adventist ranks. We are told that no feeble, 
aged ones, or infants will be left among us. Now why 
it is that our dear brethren and sisters can continue to 
bring into this sin-cursed world, helpless, innocent little 
beings at this late day, I can not see.” 

“ I know all you have said to me about this, mama. 
I remember it, and often think upon and pray over it, too. 
But, mama, if it is as you and Aunt Prudence say, why 
is it that so many of the leaders, even, come up to the 
camp-meetings year after year, with newborn babes 

in their arms? There was Elder M and various 

other leaders. I do not understand these things, mama.” 

"‘Alas! my daughter, what you say is all too true. 
And I deplore it greatly. One of our most devout breth- 
ren preached for us not very long since, and told us 
to begin to pray most earnestly that our ‘ flight be not 
in the winter, neither on the Sabbath day.’ I almost ex- 
claimed aloud as he failed to sound in trumpet tones the 
woe pronounced in the preceding verse. Matt. 24: 19.” 

Irma said not a word, and after kissing her good- 
night, Mrs. Dean and Aunt Prudence withdrew. 


CHAPTER XIX. 


Mrs. Hughs- saw that it would be useless to venture 
farther in open opposition, so she changed* her tactics, 
and yielded a reluctant obedience to her husband’s com- 
mands, and began preparation for the Hughs-Dean wed- 
ding ; she had to go still farther and take her two daugh- 
ters and actually call upon Mrs. Dean and Irma. Mr. 
Hughs also accompanied Ralph to call upon Mr. Dean. 
_ The time was at hand for the marriage to take place. 
It was a severe struggle for Irma to yield to Ralph’s 
pleadings that it be a “ home ” instead of a “ church ” 
wedding. It had been her girlish dream and heart’s de- 
sire to have a “ flower wedding ” in their modest house 
of worship : but Ralph adroitly managed to induce her to 
change her plans. Although it was her prerogative to 
decide this point, yet she yielded, and this was only the 
beginning. Mrs. Dean was much pained by the change, 
but wisely held her peace; she was also much surprised, 
for she did not think it possible that Irma would have 
so easily yielded her privilege in this particular. But so 
it was. Ralph’s real reason for wishing the change can be 
easily understood by those who know the situation in his 
own family. He was too much afraid of public opinion; 
he too much dreaded the tongue of “ Mrs. Grundy ” of 
the “ four hundred ” to brave having his marriage sol- 
emnized in that simple church building. For, while 
Irma’s home was quiet, it was elegant ; and he much pre- 
ferred that his family should gather in the Dean parlors 
than be driven to the church where the Dean family wor- 

77 


78 


BEWARE ! 


shiped ; and he also rather favored a “ quiet wedding.” 
This just suited Irma, and under different circumstances, 
would have much pleased Mrs. Dean ; but as it was, she 
knew why he desired the affair to pass off as quietly as 
possible, and her face burned as she fully realized that 
already he was ashamed of Irma’s environment. She 
shuddered as she dwelt upon the future of her child, that 
dear child, who had been so shielded in her home. She 
had been so respected and considered that it seemed im- 
possible to the fond mother that anyone could be ashamed 
of anything connected with that gentle, beautiful young 
creature. She doubted the wisdom of keeping these 
things from Irma, but for once she thought ignorance 
bliss, and so kept the even tenor of her way, and trusted 
her God to overrule everything for his glory and the ulti- 
mate good of her child. But the mother spent almost 
whole nights in prayer, beseeching the Father to spare 
her darling, the apple of her eye, her almost idol, from the 
fate which a mother’s intuition caused her to fear for 
Irma. 

It was a glorious sight upon which Irma opened her 
eyes on the morn of her wedding day. Bright and beau- 
tiful shone the sun, crisp and invigorating was the air, 
and the earth was still robed in her bridal apparel; thus 
thought Irma as she viewed the scene from her window. 

The marriage was to take place in the evening, so Irma 
had all day for the last lingering touches to be given to 
her already complete trousseau. At last the hour arrived, 
and she stood all white and still, while her loving mother 
with gentle touch arranged her wreath of natural orange 
flowers and the accompanying veil. 

If she was beautiful as she arose to receive her diploma 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


79 


upon that warm summer night a few months before, what 
can be said to rightly portray her extreme loveliness as 
she lingered just a moment to look shyly into her mirror. 
As she turned from her dresser, her mother pressed her 
to that yearning mother heart, and with a wave of her 
hand fell upon her knees. Irma did the same. There 
was no audible prayer, but angels wept over that scene. 

As they arose, Mrs. Dean took her child, and led her 
as a lamb to the sacrifice, — so it seemed to the mother, — 
to the head of the stairs. There they were met by Mr. 
Dean and Irma’s one intimate girl friend, who was to be 
her bridesmaid. It had been Mrs. Dean’s request that 
she alone should assist Irma at her bridal toilet, so al- 
though Irma’s friend was in the house, she did not see the 
bride-elect that evening until Mrs. Dean and Irma came 
to the head of the stairs. Irma’s young friend almost 
exclaimed aloud as she viewed the picture of girlish 
loveliness presented by Irma Dean as she stood thus upon 
the threshold of her future; as she stood ready to sell 
her girlish liberty, and what is she to get in return? 
Ah, time alone will tell. 

Pause, girls, you who like Irma are tempted to wed 
among the ungodly. 

We are told in the Word that “ blessed is the man that 
walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth 
in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat ‘of the scorn- 
ful.” And our little Irma was just now to take the step 
that would put her in a position to do all of these. 
Beware ! 

It was a striking group that assembled near the up- 
right piano in the Dean parlors. First came Mr. Dean 
with his beautiful daughter leaning trustingly upon his 


So 


BEWARE ! 


arm. Then followed Mrs. Dean and Irma’s friend. 
Ralph advanced to meet them, and by his side was his 
chosen friend. As Ralph received his bride, his friend 
and Irma’s friend advanced, then ^separated, standing one 
on either side of the place chosen for the bride and 
groom. 

As Mr, Dean resigned his daughter to Ralph Hughs, 
it was a solemn moment for that father and mother, and 
also for Irma, and a trying one for Ralph. O young 
man, do you sense your responsibility? Do you realize 
what it means to these fond parents to resign to you their 
“one lamb”? Do you hold as something most sacred 
the little trembling hand laid so confidingly upon your 
arm? Will you guard her as the treasure of your life? 
Oh, Jesus and the holy angels look on with interest upon 
such a scene as this. 

The Hughs family and their invited guests were 
startled at the picture before them. Lela rejoiced with 
her brother over the lovely girl he had won. Mr. Hughs 
could only look approval. Mrs. Hughs and Ada were 
vexed to think it possible the afifair could be so perfectly 
in accordance with all that was desirable, all that was 
lovable, and in strict accordance with “ good foiTti.” Just 
for a moment Mrs. Hughs was almost won. The little 
bit of motherhood in her came to the surface, and she 
was prompted to take that exquisite little white-robed 
creature into her arms, and let her nestle in her heart. 
But quick as a flash came Satan with his wiles to make 
her see in Irma the one thing standing between her and 
all her cherished plans for her son, who had been the 
object of a devoted, though selfish love of a selfish life. 
To see everything that she had hoped and planned thus 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


8i 


set aside b)^ such an unpretentious girl was the bitterest 
moment of her life. And as Mr. and Mrs. Dean closed 
the circle around their daughter and Ralph, and the ven- 
erable white-haired minister, the friend of Irma’s baby- 
hood days, arose to perform the ceremony, it was a hard- 
ened, defiant face which Ralph’s mother turned toward 
the- almost holy-looking group, and it was a very conven- 
tional greeting that she bestowed upon her son’s wife. 
Mr. Hughs was cordial, Lela warm, Ada icy, and Irma 
was — Mrs. Ralph Hughs. 


6 


CHAPTER XX. 


It had been previously arranged that there should 
be an absence from the city for a few weeks, including a 
visit to some distant point of interest. Ralph wished this, 
'and Irma acquiesced. Mrs. Dean did not approve; but 
knowing that it would not be wise, she did not remon- 
strate. She again took it to the Lord in prayer,” and 
there left it, and calmly proceeded to help her daughter 
change her bridal robe for a seasonable traveling dress, 
wraps, etc. In this loving service she was eagerly 
assisted by Irma’s friend, and also by Lela, who just 
would not be denied the sanctity of Irma’s room. She 
loved her brother’s wife, and did not hesitate to show her 
appreciation of his choice. The time soon came for the 
young couple to go to the train, and as they bade adieu 
to Irma’s parents it seemed to her that she was leaving 
half her heart behind her; but the cool indifference of 
Ralph’s mother, and the almost open scorn expressed by 
Ada’s face and manner, somewhat held in check her own 
emotions ; and it was well. 

Mrs. Hughs could but own that everything had been 
beyond criticism so far, although she wondered at the 
absence of refreshments of some kind. Finally, remem- 
bering what she had heard of Mrs. Dean’s extreme views 
in regard to “ health reform,” with a sneer, she whispered 
to Ada, “ Not even cake and wine, and some of our ‘ set ’ 
here, too.” 

But she had reckoned without her host ”-ess, for 
after Irma was gone, before the circle broke up, exquisite 
82 


BEWARE ! 


83 


flagons of quaint device were borne into the room, filled 
with the pure juice of the grape; and in glasses that were 
beautiful of design, each guest was served with the purest 
draft in the form of wine that Mrs. Hughs or her friends 
had ever tasted, as they were constrained to confess. 
When Mrs. Dean fearlessly explained .why refreshments 
were not served at this unseemly hour, and that this was 
the kind of wine which Jesus made at the marriage at 
Cana of Galilee, there was nothing left for Mrs. Hughs 
to do but silently own that there was a something,” as 
Ralph had once told her, in Mrs. Dean’s peculiar religious 
views that made her very different from most women.” 
But while she was forced to admire Mrs. Dean for the 
moment, she was prepared to treat with contempt and 
scorn any such views which Mrs. Ralph Hughs might 
entertain. 


CHAPTER XXL 


Aunt Prudence/ Mrs. Dean, and Miss Mildred 

B , Irma’s friend who stood up with her, were seated 

in Irma’s cozy bedchamber. The night was far advanced, 
yet they sat, and talked, and wept by turns. It seemed 
as if there had been a death in the home, so sad and 
silent was everything now that Irma, the pet of the house- 
hold, was really gone. At last Miss Mildred said : — 
Mama Dean, I wish to say this, I thank you for all 
the loving instruction you have let me share with Irma. 

I could just weep on and on, to think she has been the 
one to be wooed and won by an ungodly man. It seems 
beyond belief. Now I have for a long time been making 
a careful study of the Testimonies to learn all that has 
been written on the subject of the home. O I want to 
know everything that will help me in my future home life, 
if God should so will that I have a home of my own. I 
do not wish to be only a ^ house keeper,’ but a home maker 
in the truest sense of the word ; and oh, how I do thank 
you for calling my attention to that startling little book 
of warning, 'A Solemn Appeal,’ especially that article 
upon the ‘ marriage relation.’ You may think it strong 
language for a young girl when I say. The man who 
claims my hand, will first read with me that article, and ^ 
upon bended knees ratify the promise to be guided by 
its teachings.” 

Mrs. Dean turned, and took the brave young creature 
into her empty mother-arms, and said : — 

“ How I do wish all our youth could say the same ! 

84 


BEWARE ! 


85 


There would be fewer ruined homes, and broken hearts. 

I wonder how many of our older members have read that 
article, and the one entitled an ‘ Appeal to Mothers.^ In 
fact, I should like to know how many are familiar with 
the entire work. A solemn appeal it is, indeed. O, would 
that we all were where God wants us in regard to these 
things, and upon the food question! The latter is, to 
my mind, the most important ; for if we eat right, we will 
surely live right in every respect. And now that we have . 
such wonderful light along this line, I do not see how we 
can go on in a careless manner. 

“ I think the points brought out lately in regard to our 
food are grand ; the solemn, but beautiful truth that we 
can feed daily upon the body of our Lord, and that he 
gives us of himself in every meal of which we partake, 
is almost beyond the comprehension of finite minds, yet 
it is made very plain.* I now feel every time I approach 
my table as if I approached the sacramental board, and 
I am praying my Father to help me keep my family board 
free of anything which could possibly mar this beautiful 
picture. I do not see how we can eat to excess with such 
a picture in our minds. I hope all have read, or will 
read and study, and make their very own, the beautiful 
thoughts contained in that number of the Bulletin. Alas I 
I am afraid those important sheets are not read and 
studied as they should be. 

“ When I think of the fact that we are told that we 
shall be held accountable for what we might have been, 
that we will not be excused for not knowing, when we 
might have known, I confess that I tremble for myself 


♦General Conference Bulletin, Feb., 23, 1899. 


86 


BEWARE ! 


and for others. When will we, as individuals and as a 
people, awaken to our full privilege in Christ Jesus? 
When will we read, study, and think, so as to be enabled 
so to live as to claim all the promises of God? Then 
we shall see ‘ the blind receive their sight, and the lame 
walk, the lepers cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead 
raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to 
them.’ ” 

Mrs. Dean, Aunt Prudence, and Mildred then bade 
one another good night. 


CHAPTER XXII. 


Several weeks had elapsed since the solemn words 
were spoken which united Ralph Hughs and Irma Dean 
in bonds of wedlock, and they were in the palatial home 
of Ralph’s father. It was near the set of sun upon Fri- 
day afternoon, and Irma was more miserable than tongue 
can express, and why ? — Because the family were mak- 
ing preparations for a “ reception ” in honor of the newly- 
wedded pair. Poor little Irma could but feel that this 
was “ malice afore-thought,” although Mrs. Hughs pro- 
tested to the contrary. 

During the few weeks which she and Ralph spent 
alone, she had managed to observe the Sabbath most 
sacredly. She had pleaded with her young husband to 
excuse her from going out upon the Sabbath evening, 
and he stopped with her, so that those evenings had been 
the happiest they had known; for Irma would study and 
read, and had been able to make some points quite clear 
to Ralph. During their wanderings they had been per- 
mitted to spend one Sabbath in a city, where, upon in- 
quiry, they had found an Adventist church, and O joy! 
Ralph had readily accompanied Irma as she went to wor- 
ship. Irma’s cup of joy ran over, as she sat in the pew 
with her distinguished-looking husband by her side. As 
she had not been where she could attend church for sev- 
eral Sabbaths, she was actually hungering for the “ bread 
of life,” and she enjoyed that Sabbath’s privileges to the 
fullest extent. It was well, for it was the last before she 
returned home. 


87 


88 


BEWARE ! 


She turned her face homeward with high hope, doubt- 
ing not that Ralph would accompany her at once to see 
her beloved parents, and that they would spend Sabbath 
night beneath her father’s hospitable roof, and all repair 
to the house of worship upon Sabbath morning. But, 
alas ! for all her cherished plans ! they were dashed aside 
with one fell blow. Ralph had announced his intended 
home-coming, some days previous by a letter to Lela. 

Irma had planned to reach home early in the day, 
Friday, so that nothing' should interfere with her prepara- 
tion for the Sat^bath. But owing to a slight railroad 
accident, which caused a delay of several hours, the day 
was far spent when the carriage which met them rolled 
up to the “Hughs place” (always so called), and con- 
sternation seized Irma when she saw the festal prepara- 
tions. Her heart sank below zero when, after formal 
greetings from all except Lela, who was kind and loving, 
Ralph informed her that his mother would “ give a recep- 
tion ” in their honor that evening from eight to ten. 
“ Just a select few, to welcome us home,” he said. It 
seemed to Irma as if she would sink to the floor in despair. 
What should she do ? What could she do ? 

First of all, she would have to forego the pleasure 
of seeing her mother that evening at all, but what most 
distressed her was that she would either be compelled 
to appear in the parlor and “ receive ” with the family, 
or openly rebel against her husband’s expressed desires, 
and thereby cause him to be placed in quite an embar- 
rassing position indeed. For he felt he could not be so 
brave as to stand up and tell why his young wife was not 
present, and Irma was too true to feign an illness which 
she did not feel, as an excuse, so she timidly ventured to 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


89 


remind Ralph of his promise given her father to the 
effect that “ she should be permitted to keep holy the 
Sabbath day.” He with a slight impatience replied: — 

“Yes, I remember all that, Irma; but you must have 
reason ; circumstances alter cases. Who could have 
thought of the ‘ lady mother ’ planning this upon our ar- 
rival. I very much doubted that she would show us any 
courtesy at all.” 

Irma devoutly wished in her heart she had not, but 
loved her husband too much to say so. Irma was tempted 
to slip quietly away, and flee as a wounded dove to that 
safest and sweetest of all refuges, a loving mother’s wait- 
ing arms. But pride and duty, and the desire to save 
that mother pain, all combined to prevent this unwise 
step. She wept and prayed every moment she was alone. 
She could not get her consent to desecrate God’s holy day. 
There was just one scripture that brought any comfort, 
and that was, “ Wives, obey your husbands,” but she re- 
membered how this had been explained as referring to 
those who are godly. It, at least, did not apply to those 
whose dictates were in direct opposition to the Fourth 
Commandment. 

Ralph wisely left his wife to herself for some little 
time, although he was anxious, indeed, as to her decision. 
But the look of determination so often seen in his eye 
of late was seen there now, as he remembered his former 
triumphs. He took courage when he thoug'ht of how 
sweetly Irma had yielded to his importunities as to the 
place of their marriage, also, in regard to their visit taken 
afterward, and many minor points which she had yielded 
during that visit. So after a short time had elapsed, he 
sought his wife’s apartment. He saw at a glance that 


90 


BEWARE ! 


she had been weeping freely. He approached her, and 
clasping both little hands in one of his, gently drew her 
to a western window, at the same time looking anxiously 
into her face, and saying, Why all these tears, little 
girl ? ” for they were still falling like rain. Why this 
emotion and distress? Surely you are willing to do this 
for Ralph?” 

Ah! the wiles of Satan! How he delights to have 
such an emissary as Ralph Hughs proved to be just then. 
Irma tried to stand firm. She desired to prove faithful ! 
But alas ! She was walking in the counsel of the un- 
godly, standing in the way of sinners, and sitting in 
the seat of the scornful.” So she had no vantage-ground 
in this struggle. To this, add the powerful ally of first 
love, and is it any wonder that she yielded? We can 
only weep with her over her weakness, but we need not 
marvel at it. So we would say to any girl who is tempted 
to wed an ungodly man. Beware! Though Irma said 
nothing, Ralph knew that he had won, but being a born 
diplomat, he said not one word to let her know how in- 
tense was his relief, how great his exultation. He was 
not brave enough to have alone faced their guests that 
evening, or to have met his mother’s eye while explaining 
the situation to her, or worse still for him, to frame a 
plausible excuse to Miss Golden, who was to be present. 
Irma was in blissful ignorance as to her very existence, 
but was destined to be enlightened upon this point before 
the evening was over. 


CHAPTER XXIII. 


Lela did all possible to encourage Irma. But of 
course, no one in that family could enter into the poor 
young creature’s feelings. To think she was so near her 
loving mother, and yet so far. She could not possibly go 
to her mother that evening, and how could she ever hold 
up her head, and look that mother fearlessly in the eye 
after that evening? It really seemed as if the wdght of 
woe would crush her. 

Already she was beginning to think back over the 
words of warning spoken by mama and Aunt Prudence. 
She was beginning to see that those who “ walk in the 
counsel of the ungodly, and stand in the way of sinners, 
and sit in the seat of the scornful ” are in dangerous, oh, 
such dangerous places. She would at even this early 
period of her married life have held up a hand of warning, 
and cried out. Beware, to any young girl tempted as she 
had been. She was destined to be stabbed in more ways 
than one upon this fateful evening. 

Upon returning to her private parlor after a few 
moments’ absence, she at once noticed a newspaper thrown 
with apparent carelessness upon her table, yet it was in 
a conspicuous place. Picking it up, she began to scan 
its pages, more from a wish to find something, anything, 
to divert her almost distracted mind, than from any real 
interest she felt in the contents of that particular paper. 
But in a moment she sank almost fainting to a seat, as 
her eye rested upon the following sensational para- 
graph : — 

91 


92 


BEWARE ! 


“ MISALLIANCE IN HIGH LIFE.'’’’ 

The ‘ four hundred ’ are amazed over the report of 
the marriage of Ralph, the son of Hughs, the banker, to 
a nonentity, so to speak, in fact, to an obscure maiden. 
Dean by name, the daughter of a religious crank, residing 
somewhere in the humbler portion of this city. Ralph 
Hughs was a bright, particular social star, and it is sad 
to know of his having brought about his own social 
eclipse. That his ‘ set ’ is regretful goes without saying, 
for a society wedding in which he was to act an important 
part was thought to be upon the tapis. Such is life.” 

As Irma read these cruel words, it really seemed that 
she would smother, her heart beat so fast, while she sat 
almost paralyzed with pain and surprise. 

Ralph entered the room. She made a slight effort to 
conceal the paper, and appear like herself, but in vain. 
As his eye caught the headline, he snatched the paper, 
tore it into fragments, and threw it into the grate, mutter- 
ing between clinched teeth “ curses upon Ada. I know 
she did this.” He just could not for a moment meet 
Irma’s look of pained surprise. Recovering himself in 
a measure, he said : — 

'All a lot of nonsense. I wonder who was careless 
enough to leave that paper for your eye to be pained by 
it. Darling, do not look so hurt and pale. Please come 
dress yourself, and let us go down, and show them their 
mistake as to a ' mhalliance.’ ” Stung almost to a frenzy 
Irma arose, and began hastily to robe herself in her bridal 
gown. She had not worn it since her wedding day. As 
she looked upon the beautiful shimmering thing, she al- 
most hated it; for she began to regret that it was not 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


93 


made d la mode. You see Satan had in the newspaper 
article applied the very impetus needed to urge her on 
to folly. She was now determined to dress, and appear 
in the parlor with her husband. Nothing could have pre- 
vented her, save the manifest power of God. Alas! she 
had deliberately made her choice some time ago, and there 
was no miracle enacted to save her now. 

There was no gainsaying the fact that she was ex- 
quisite as she entered the brilliantly lighted rooms, yet 
she had refused the proffered help of Lela’s maid, and 
arranged her own toilet ; but with her excellent taste and 
high ideal she never made a mistake. Add to this the 
excitement which made her blood course like fire through 
her veins, and we will not be surprised at the thrill of 
admiration which followed her presentation to every new- 
comer. She was apparently unmoved, even, when Ada 
with an elaborate introduction, presented “ Miss Golden.’’ 
Ada enjoyed Ralph’s uneasiness, and lingered near with 
her friend just as long as possible. A few moments after 
this episode Irma heard Ada, in speaking to a “ chum ” 
— as she called her, remark, “ Just do look at the contrast 
between those two. I know Miss Golden’s dress cost not 
less than five hundred dollars, and to think that Ralph 
could have this evening presented her as his bride, had 
he not have made this mesalliance. My mother is almost 
desperate over his social suicide.” 

The scales fell from Irma’s eyes at last. She now 
remembered how her dear, prudent mother had warned 
her of this, and had tried to impress upon her the fact 
that she would never be received as a social equal in the 
Hughs family. But the step had been taken, and she 
had to abide the consequences. 


94 


BEWARE ! 


The evening* passed, Irma scarcely knew how. It 
was all torture to ’her, for there was a sneer upon Ada's 
lips at every movement her brother's wife made, even to 
the “ No, thank you," when wine was offered. But the 
guests departed, and Irma at last found herself alone in 
her own room, there to sob her life almost out in her bitter 
grief over her painful situation 


CHAPTER XXIV. 


Next morning at the breakfast table there was an air 
of constraint. Ralph was gloomy, for there had been a 
stormy scene between him and his mother and Ada the 
night before. He had sought them out, after the even- 
ing’s entertainment, and had hurled burning words of 
reproach and rebuke at them. They took on the air of 
injured innocence, and said they had “ tried to please him, 
and introduce his wife into good society, and this was 
their reward,” “ just what they might have expected,” 
and much more in like strain, until Ralph actually flung 
himself out of the room, in a frame of mind bordering on 
to the desperate. He rushed upstairs to Irma for com- 
fort, but found that she had cried herself to sleep like a 
heart-broken child; for the long shuddering sobs were 
yet audible ; as he stood conscience smitten, looking down 
upon her pitiful little face, upon which were traces of 
tears, while the hands thrown in utter abandonment over 
her head bespoke her frame of mind upon sinking into 
that restless slumber. So it is no wonder that the air at 
the breakfast table upon the following morning was one 
of constraint. Lela was kindly attentive to her sweet 
young sister-in-law; and as she saw Irma refuse with a 
gentle ‘‘ No, thank you,” buckwheat cakes and honey ; 
codfish balls, Saratoga “ chips,” ham and eggs, hot biscuit 
and butter, French coffee with rich cream, and many other 
such delicacies ( ?), Lele quietly withdrew, and after some 
time returned with a plate of dry toast, and quietly placed 

95 


96 


BEWARE ! 


it by Irma’s side, at the same time drawing the handsome 
center-piece of fine fresh fruit nearer, thereby showing 
her appreciation of the situation. Irma was very grateful 
for this kindness. She now began to see that mama and 
Aunt Prudence were right upon all points. It had been 
hard for her to believe it possible that she would thus 
early find it so difficult to eat and drink to the glory of 
God ; but such was true. After a breakfast which no 
one enjoyed, the family separated. Mr. Hughs had par- 
taken of his egg and toast, with a cup of coffee hours 
before, and so had not been present, much to Irma’s 
regret, as she was beginning to love the stern old man ; 
for she perceived that he possessed a spirit of justness 
that did not pervade the rest of the family, save Lela, who 
was very much like her father in many things. 

As Ralph and Irma reached their rooms, she said hesi- 
tatingly, while she looked appealingly into her husband’s 
face, You will come with me to my church this morning, 
will you not?” How could he refuse? Yet how could 
he meet Mrs. Dean’s penetrating eye? He made some 
insufficient excuse, and was turning away, when Irma 
burst into such a paroxysm of weeping that he feared the 
attention of the servants would be attracted, and hating 
anything like a “ scene,” he reluctantly consented to go 
with her. He said they would have to “ go on the car 
down town, then take a public carriage.” He could not 
brave the inquiry, and comments sure to be made if he 
ordered the home turnout at so early an hour, nor did he 
want the coachman to know where he was going. 

Irma dressed hurriedly, and as she did so, her mind 
went back to the sweet, peaceful Sabbath mornings in her 
own home, the earnest prayer and sweet soul communion 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


97 


with father and mother, the calm repose, and quiet 
preparation incident to going forth to the house of wor- 
ship. And what a bitter contrast was here. She had 
spent but a moment upon her knees, for exhaustion had 
caused her to sleep late. She dressed in feverish haste. 
The late fashionable breakfast had rendered it now im- 
possible for her to reach her house of worship in time 
for Sabbath school, and she realized that if they had to 

wait for a car, she would even be late for the sermon. 

We will leave the reader to imagine the emotions of 

each, as Irma and Ralph hurried in and took a seat, 

after the sermon was in progress. 

Mrs. Dean was actually shocked to see her daughter 
there, and not to have been apprised of her home coming. 
Irma had purposely kept the time of her return from her 
mother, planning to give her a sweet surprise by going 
immediately to her. How she was prevented we know. 
Mrs. Dean knowing nothing of what had transpired, was 
scarcely able to preserve decorum upon Irma’s hurried, 
embarrassed entrance into the family pew. But the Lord 
is sufficient for all things, and beyond a quiet kiss and a 
close hand-clasp no one knew of the emotions of those 
two hearts. Mr. Dean drew Ralph down beside him, 
and in an incredibly short space of time all was seem- 
ingly serene. 

As soon as Irma could bring herself to listen, she gave 
her attention to the speaker in the pulpit. It was her 
same dear old friend, who stood before her. The first 
words to impress her were, “ Come unto me, all ye that 
labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” 
Many were the times she had pondered over this old, ever- 
new, always-precious promise, and she had thought she 
7 


98 


BEWARE ! 


understood the meaning of the words, but it had been 
left for this moment to relveal to her something in them 
she had never found before. Or was it that she had never 
been heavy laden before? Probably this was the secret. 

After services Mr. Dean said, “ This is a surprise, 
indeed. Of course you will both go home with us.” To 
this there seemed no reply to be made. So they were 
soon in Irma’s home. It would be impossible to describe 
the contending emotions in Irma’s breast, as she once 
more stood in her own room. It was just as she had left 
it, only it had been restored to perfect order. As she 
once more looked into her mirror, her mind flew back to 
the occasion upon which she first consulted it so closely. 
It was upon the evening of RalpL’s first call. Poor 
child ! It seemed to her as she stood there now, that an 
age had passed since that eventful evening. 

As deceit or subterfuge was totally foreign to Irma’s 
nature, and her heart ached too sorely to feign a cheerful- 
ness she did not feel, it was but a short time before she 
was sobbing out her grief upon her mother’s breast. 
Clasped closely in those loving mother arms, it seemed 
to the young wife that she was again shielded from every 
woe; and she thought with a pang of keen regret of the 
short time which she could possibly tarry beneath the 
roof of her dear old home. Mrs. Dean, with that wisdom 
which God alone can give, counseled, admonished, and 
encouraged her child, not once referring to the many 
warnings which had been given; but instead there was 
a prayer made for strength and fortitude for this young 
creature, that she might be kept, and enabled to walk 
so circumspectly that others, seeing her good works, 
would be constrained to glorify her Father in heaven. 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


99 


After this season of refreshing from the Lord, Irma 
felt more cheerful, and was so like her own sweet self 
that Ralph blessed the moment that brought them home 
with Irma’s parents. 

The family was soon seated at the dinner table. As 
this was the first meal that Ralph had ever partaken of 
at this table, he was surprised indeed at the fare set 
before him. It was all a revelation to him, to think that 
one could enjoy such a delicious repast without flesh, fish, 
or fowl, milk, eggs, or butter, fats or sweets, save those 
contained in the nut preparations and fruits served ; and 
to be informed that the cake was unleavened, save by 
air, the cream made from almonds, and many other such 
things, was surprising, indeed. He at once began to 
think of his wife, and remembered, with a start, how 
confidently he had promised Mr. Dean that Irma should 
“ suit herself as to those things,” when Mr. Dean had 
requested that his daughter be left free as to her re- 
ligious proclivities. The young husband began now to 
see how utterly impossible it would be for Irma to “ suit 
herself as to those things,” so long as she sat at the 
board where his aristocratic, unfeeling mother presided. 
He remembered Lela’s words of admonition, spoken the 
afternoon she called first upon Irma. His keen-sighted 
sister had upon that occasion warned him of all the pain 
he would bring upon Irma, if he subjected her to the 
ordeal of making her home in his father’s house. Lela 
had advised him to set up a modest establishment of his 
own. But pride held such a thing in check then; it 
did the same* thing now. His will was powerful when 
it came to swaying people to do what he wished them 
to do, but not powerful enough to overcome self, and 

iL.ofC. 


lOO 


BEWARE ! 


then compel such natures as his mother s and Ada s to 
yield to the thing that was right. So Irma’s fate was 
sealed, so far as having to walk in the course of the 
ungodly, to stand in the way of sinners, and to sit in 
the seat of the scornful. 

After dinner, and just before time to repair to the 
church for evening service. Aunt Prudence and Miss Mil- 
dred B came in. To say that they were surprised to 

see Irma but faintly expresses the situation ; for it had so 
happened that they both had been engaged in missionary 
work that morning, and therefore missed the forenoon 
service. Miss Mildred saw at a glance that her little 
friend showed signs of weeping, and the older girl felt 
constrained to clasp the bride-wife in her arms and com- 
fort her; but, realizing that it is always kind not to see 
that which one does not wish you to see, she forebore any 
outward show of sympathy, and they all proceeded to 
the church. 

After the social meeting, Ralph and Irma went their 
way ; and a sad “ way ” it seemed to Irma, despite her 
efforts to be cheerful and brave. Miss Mildred and Aunt 
Prudence both returned home with Mrs. Dean, and that 
evening we again find the three devout women grouped in 
Irma’s bedroom. Mildred was to occupy the room, and 
Mrs. Dean and Aunt Prudence came in for a little good- 
night talk ; and of course they soon began to speak of 
Irma, for “ out of the abundance of the heart the mouth 
speaketh,” and these three loyal hearts were abundantly 
full of thought for their pet just at this time. It was not 
much that either could say. Mrs. Dean could but tell 
them of the fearful ordeal through which Irma had passed, 
and they at once went down upon their knee3 to pray fqr 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


lOt 


strength and comfort for that dear little soul, who was 
already beginning to tread the winepress alone. After 
they arose, Alildred threw her strong arms around Mrs. 
Dean’s frail body (and she seemed to be growing frailer 
daily now), and said : “ Mama Dean, you have been every- 
thing to me since my own de^ mama went to sleep, and I 
want you to know that your counsel and words of wis- 
dom are bearing fruit. I have been thinking seriously 
lately of making my life’s choice, and I find that the 
young Christian brother who- wishes me to share his 
labors and his love, is ready, willing, and able to kneel 
and engage with me in earnest prayer upon any occa- 
sion that we are thrown together ; and it is not often that 
we pass many moments in each other’s society without a 
season of prayer. I remember the admonition given in 
one of the good books you placed in my young hands. 
The writer said, “No Christian girl should think of wed- 
ding a man who could not kneel by her side, and pray for 
her as her father would do.” That expression took deep 
hold upon my mind, and I always intended to put it into 
efifect by way of a test of character. I did so, and found 
the one to whom it was applied not at all abashed or con- 
fused. Nay, in fact, he had been wishing for the oppor- 
tunity to show me how devoid of passion and self was 
his love. So, dear Christian mother, do not weep such 
bitter tears ; for if your own ‘ ewe lamb,’ as you so lov- 
ingly call her, did wed without the fold, you have been 
instrumental in helping one lonely orphan girl to take her 
stand where, by the Lord’s help, she will not walk in 
the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the way of sin- 
ners, nor sit in the seat of the scornful. Instead, I hope 
it may be truthfully said that my delight is in the law of 


102 


BEWARE ! 


the Lord, and in his law do I meditate day and night ; I 
owe much to you, Mama Dean.” All this was as balm to 
Mrs. Dean’s bleeding heart, and she thanked God, and 
took courage, as she pressed a good-night kiss on Mil- 
dred’s brow, and quietly withdrew from the room. 

Aunt Prudence and her young friend lingered to- 
gether a moment to speak in whispers of “ the visible 
failure in Mrs. Dean’s strength since Irma went away,” 
and then separated for the night. 


CHAPTER XXVL 


It would bring an ache to the hearts of our readers, 
and a glow of indignation to their cheeks, to follow the 
minutia of Irma’s life. Many times she left the table 
without having tasted food, although the board was filled 
to overflowing of that which was “ not bread.” Many the 
times she wept herself to sleep over some stinging fling 
from Ada’s cruel lips, or from being completely ignored 
by Ralph’s mother. The servants were not less cruel, for 
like mistress, like maid. Old Mrs. Hughs, alone, treated 
her with the deference and respect which was her due. 
While she was the child of a king, a princess in dis- 
guise, her Father’s kingdom was not of this world; so 
those around her held in contempt her prospective heir- 
ship, and bitter were her days and nights now. She 
saw little of her mother, for Mrs. Dean had never stepped 
foot within the Hughs’ domain; and when Irma went 
home, it was only to weep out her woe while clasped 
close in her mother’s arms. Ralph made futile efforts 
to stem the tide, stand by his gentle wife, and see that 
she did receive that which was her right ; but it was use- 
less, and only caused her more pain. She was completely 
ignored by both Mrs. Hughs and Ada. Many times she 
was forced to sit through a long course dinner upon the 
Sabbath. Often the parlors were filled with gay com- 
pany upon Sabbath evenings, and Ralph always insisted, 
nay, commanded, that she go down, for he just could not 
stand his mother’s and Ada’s stabs about “ the old Jewish 
Sabbath/’ and other things even more insulting. 

103 


104 


BEWARE ! 


It would take an inspired pen to depict Irma’s situa- 
tion. She kept all possible locked within her own breast. 
Her husband knew not the half to which she was sub- 
jected, for she saw that he must eventually come to hate 
the cause of all this, and, of course, her religious views 
came in for all the blame. Ralph’s will triumphed with 
her in a great measure, but he had never yet dared to ask 
her to renounce her faith ; and although she was forced by 
stress of circumstances into so much that was sinful, as 
regards desecrating the Sabbath, and in being compelled 
to eat food not acceptable to the Lord, she was loyal at 
heart, and was reaching the point where she would be 
willing to suffer martyrdom before she would withdraw 
from her congregation ; and who can say she was not nozv 
beginning to suffer martyrdom, as predicted in the first 
pages of this work. Her home life in the Hughs family 
was fast developing a martyr-like spirit. Ralph made bold 
once to approach his father upon the subject, and wished 
him to allow them a sum sufficient to set up an estab- 
lishment of their own. Money was old Mr. Hughs’s god, 
and he did not feel inclined to open his treasure-trove 
for what he considered a mere whim. He loved Irma in 
his way, and rather admired her “ pluck,” as he termed 
it, about “ going to church on Saturday,” and “ not eating 
pickled pig’s feet if she did not wish to do so.” But it 
was not possible for him in any measure to realize the 
situation, so he could not bring himself to be willing to set 
Ralph up in an establishment of his own, when there was 
so much and to spare in the ancestral home of his fore- 
fathers. Some may wonder why Mr. Dean did not come 
to the rescue. It was simply because he knew nothing of 
the truth as it was, Irma developed a Spartan-like spirit, 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


105 

and let these things gnaw her very vitals, and yet pre- 
sented as calm an exterior as possible. If Mr. Dean had 
known the truth of the whole matter, he would not 
have been willing to invest his means in an establishment 
simply to gratify Ralph’s desire for the pomp and vanities 
of this world. Irma had pleaded with her husband to 
allow her to ask her father for a modest sum, and that 
Ralph take his inheritance^ from his grandfather’s estate, 
and set up a home of their own ; and she had pictured in 
bright colors their home life, using every endearing term, 
and even impassioned pleadings, to induce him to take this 
step. He sometimes seemed inclined to yield; then the 
thought of what the “ four hundred ” would say held 
him in check. It was true that he had defied them in the 
choice of a wife, but the headlines of that sensational arti- 
cle published just after his marriage seemed burned on 
his brain in indelible characters, and he did not intend to 
give them a chance for another fling at him. So rather 
than brave receiving the cut direct from' some multi- 
millionaire friend, so-called, he preferred to remain in a 
gilded prison, and keep his young wife there also. If he 
had been entirely removed from his present surroundings, 
had his environment been that of Irma’s own home, he 
would have been won to the truth ; but as it was, there was 
nothing to enhance the beauties of Irma’s faith, and it 
seemed to him, as it does to most others who live in 
divided households, that every unpleasant thing, every 
painful occurrence, every clash of opinions in the family 
circle, came about because of Irma’s “ faith.” He was 
growing to speak quite hard of many things, which in the 
Dean family he had considered beautiful, and had even 
championed, when his mother had derided. Irma could 


io6 


BEWARE ! 


but realize that things were growing from bad to worse. 
Some clays she did not go down at all, but in her own 
room partook of fruits and such hygienic food as she 
could buy, only to hear the servants sneer and laugh about 
such things when clearing up the apartments next morn- 
ing. Upon one of these occasions Ralph was in the bath- 
room, and the housemaid, unaware of it, was discoursing 
to the footman upon Irma’s “ peculiarities.” Ralph, in 
a perfect blaze of wrath, burst in upon her, and sent her 
hastily from the room, telling her that his mother should 
/‘discharge her without a recommendation;” but he 
found, upon bringing the affair to his mother’s notice, 
that he had “ reckoned without his host ; ” in other words, 
his mother was not at all inclined to inconvenience herself 
to please his “ whims.” She remarked instead that “ it 
would be much more becoming that his wife preserve at 
least a show of good form, and not indulge in those rather 
peculiar practices which were such a revelation to servants 
in her establishment. What could he do ? What did he do ? 
He did as many before him have done, and as many after 
him will do; that is, he turned to wreak his vengeance 
upon the innocent cause of it all. Ele rushed to Irma, and 
poured out a torrent of reproach upon her for having a 
“ sack of Sanitarium crackers and a box of granose bis- 
cuit stuck in one place, and a can of nuttolene and a jar of 
fruit with a spoon and saucer in another, for all the world 
like the wife of a day laborer doing light housekeeping in 
two rooms of a city flat.” He furthermore said that his 
wife must go to the family board and take her meals as 
any other well-bred lady would be expected to do. And 
so ended that simple privilege; for from henceforth he 
brought his will to bear, and saw that Irma went regu- 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


toy 


larly to the dining room. Had it not been for Lela, Irma, 
the wife of Ralph Hughs, son of the banker, would have 
suffered from actual hunger; for after that scene with 
Ralph she would have almost perished from hunger ere 
she would have again taken so much as a sack of fresh 
fruit to her room. 

Time passed, but on leaden wings to Irma. She had 
absolutely no freedom, and no one cared for her save 
Ralph and Lela ; and, sad to say, Ralph often spent his 
evenings at the club or opera, and upon such occasions 
Irma never went down to the parlor at all, but instead 
spent her evenings in prayer and tears. Her Christian 
experience had not been deep enough to enable her to rise 
triumphant above all this, and to grasp God’s promises 
by naked faith. She had expected so much, and had re- 
ceived so little ; yet her faith in God did not fail. She 
knew that she had sinned in the step she had taken, and 
she felt that all this was but retribution, and she com- 
forted herself with the thought that “ all things work to- 
gether for good to them that love God.” She would look 
up and say, “ Lord, I love thee.” We will ask the young 
reader who has been tempted to take the step that Irma 
took, to try to imagine her feelings at this time. What 
would she have given to have been free to go her own 
way, and serve her God as she chose ! If she could 
have engaged actively in missionary work among the 
poor, her time would not have dragged so heavily. But 
upon one occasion she attempted this by going, without 
Ralph’s permission, to join her mother in some medical 
missionary work in the slums. On her return she learned 
that during her absence one of the “ four hundred ” had 
called, — one whom Mrs. Hughs prized very highly, — 


BEWARE ! 


io8 

and the caller had actually sent up a card for ‘‘ Mrs. 
Ralph Hughs ; ’’ but she could not be found. Ada sus- 
pected where she had gone, and took occasion to speak of 
the call and Irma’s absence in Ralph’s presence, and em- 
bellished it to suit herself, remarking in conclusion, “ If 
anybody who is anybody ever asks for her, she is sure to 
be out doing missionary work.” The result of this was 
Ralph’s interdict as to any more “ missionary work,” and 
so the tangled thread of her life became more and more 
knotted, and her young head more bowed with grief each 
day she lived. To all our young friends who may be 
tempted to take the step that Irma did, we would say, 
Beware 1 ” 


CHAPTER XXVIL 


Some two years have passed over Irma’s head since 
the events recorded in our last chapter, and she is a pros- 
pective mother. Ralph did all possible to cheer her dur- 
ing this trying period, Eela was devoted, Mrs. Hughs 
remained seemingly blind to the situation, while Ada was 
openly insulting more than once ; yet Irma’s uncomplain- 
ing nature, and faith in God has upheld her. Her own 
mother has wept whole nights over the situation, and has 
been the only real earthly comfort the poor girl has had. 

It would be impossible to picture the condition of the 
domestic affairs in the Hughs household. Ralph was 
well nigh reckless, almost desperate. Mrs. Hughs and 
Ada seemed determined to drive him to revolt, hoping 
thereby to render Irma so extremely unhappy as to force 
her to flee to her own parents for comfort, knowing full 
well if such a thing could be brought about, it would 
lead to an open rupture between the young couple. Mrs. 
Hughs knew not of the counsel of Irma’s godly mother, 
who told her child to endure almost any indignity before 
she did “ anything to bring reproach upon the cause of 
Christ.” And this brings us to Irma’s present condition. 
At first Ralph was rejoiced, but the order of things in his 
home brought about a change in his feelings, and while 
he had tried to cheer Irma, he had been fearfully cast 
down himself. Such a reserve had sprung up between 
him and Mr. Dean, that there was no cordial interchange 
of feeling between them. They seldom met, and then 

109 


110 


BEWARE ! 


only upon Sabbath afternoons, when Ralph would some- 
times accompany Irma home for a short time. Often 
Irma’s mind reverted to the beautiful picture of the future 
which she in her girlish days had drawn in her imagina- 
tion, when Ralph and papa should be like father and son ; 
when they would all sit so cosily together and talk of the 
sacred affairs of each other’s home life. She had never 
dreamed it possible that the present state of affairs could 
ever exist, that her father and Ralph could ever be so 
estranged as they now were. And, oh, to watch the form 
of her gentle mother becoming more fragile daily, to 
notice how careful Aunt Prudence and Mr. Dean were 
of that mother’s comfort; to realize that she, her daugh- 
ter, was the one who should be ever at that mother’s side 
to comfort her, and minister to her every want, but her 
present condition rendered her unfit for anything except 
to weep with grief, and despair. Deep, unavailing grief ! 
It began to dawn upon Irma’s mind that her mother was 
going from her, and oh, the terribleness of the thought; 
that grief over her only child’s unhappy condition was 
the cause of that mother’s failing health, seemed more 
than Irma could bear. 

On a certain Sabbath afternoon Irma had induced 
Ralph to go ‘‘ home ” (as she so pathetically called it) 
with her. When they entered the house, there was no one 
present but Mrs. Dean. She was now too feeble to go out 
twice upon the Sabbath. After warm and loving greet- 
ings for them both, the mother took a seat upon a divan, 
drawing them down one upon either side of her, and 
clasping a hand of each, she said : — 

My children, let me speak plainly to you. You are 
neither one happy. Why do you not take your load of care 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


Ill 


to the great Burden-bearer? He is able and willing to 
sustain you. You both made a mistake, and expected too 
much of human love. You, Ralph, expected that Irma’s 
love for you would cause her to give up much that was 
sacred and holy to her, while she, poor, deluded child, de- 
pended upon your love for her, to enable you to see 
the beauty in these same^things, and to ultimately induce 
you to espouse them. Now neither of these results has 
been brought about, and you are a pair of very unhappy 
children. Shall we pray the Father to help ? Let us kneel 
and invoke a blessing upon you both, and upon the little 
unborn babe, whose very existence is being affected by 
the present state of affairs.” 

Ralph hesitated a moment, but soon sank upon his 
knees by Mrs. Dean’s side. He could hear Irma’s sobs 
between the words of prayer; and such a prayer! He 
listened with bated breath. The woman seemed inspired. 
She prayed as he had never heard anyone pray in all his 
life. As he listened to her, he drew the contrast between 
this and what was transpiring daily in his own home. He 
thought. If I had been raised by such a Christian mother 
as this, I should have been a Christian, too. 

Mothers, do you know how widespread and deep your 
influence is? I fear some do not. O woman, either you 
have a grand sphere of usefulness, or you become Satan’s 
agent to destroy ; there is no middle ground. 

Irma could not utter a word of prayer; so, when her 
mother ceased speaking, they all arose from their knees. 
Ralph was very much subdued. Mrs. Dean said : — 

“ Mr. Hughs, I must speak plainly to you. First of 
all, I am commissioned by Mr. Dean to offer you the hos- 
pitality of our home. Come here, and rest your tempest- 


II2 


BEWARE ! 


tossed heart. Bring Irma home, and let us be one fam- 
ily. Renounce ‘ the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the 
eyes, and the pride of life ; ’ for these things are ^ not of 
the Father, but of the world.’ Remember that the ' Spirit 
and the bride say. Come. And let him that heareth say. 
Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever 
will, let him take the water of life freely.’ We are told 
in Isa. 55:1, 2, that ‘ he that hath no money, come, ye, 
buy, and eat ; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money 
and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for 
that which is not bread? and your labor for that which 
satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that 
which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.’ 
Now will you not come? first, to your loving Heavenly 
Father, and find peace to your soul ? then come home here 
to those who love you as their own child. We know of 
your great pride, and know why you do not have a home 
of your own. According to the Word of God, we do not 
believe in putting our money into a gilded establishment 
of pomp and show, but we will welcome you and Irma, 
and honor you here in our modest home. I know it will 
all seem humble when compared to your stylish life; but 
I am sure we can make you happy.” 

Irma sat almost breathless in her eagerness, during 
this earnest appeal from her mother to her husband. O, 
how the young wife prayed ! Ralph was deeply moved, 
but he did not yield, for pride held him back. He could, 
in imagination, hear his mother’s and Ada’s cruel taunts 
as to his ‘‘ turning Adventist.” He was not brave 
enough to take the step, although the picture was very 
inviting, and the Scriptures quoted by Mrs. Dean, in 
such an impressive manner, seemed to him to have been 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


113 

written expressly for the occasion; for he did not know 
such words were in the Bible. He gently thanked Mrs. 
Dean for her kind offer, but said that “ it would not be 
practicable ” for him to take such a step. It seemed to 
Irma as if her heart would break, but she said not a word. 

N 


< • . 







CHAPTER XXVIII. 


As Ralph and Irma walked up to the front door upon 
their return from Mr. Dean’s, the Hughs family were sit- 
ting upon the veranda. They heard Ada remark : — 

“ The Adventists are returning. I wonder they go 
out at all to-day, except to church, they are such devout 
Saturday Christians.” 

They neither one gave any evidence of having heard 
the remark, but both passed quietly in, and went up to 
their own room. Irma was facing the fact that she was 
an unwelcome intruder in this family. Not one besides 
Lela loved her. Old Mr. Hughs was so immersed in the 
coining of money that he paid little attention to home 
affairs. Having compelled his family to attend Ralph’s 
marriage, and on their return from their wedding trip 
welcomed him and his wife to his home, and afterward 
being kind and polite to Irma upon the few occasions of 
coming in contact with her, he felt his duty done. He 
knew nothing of the seething, bubbling cauldron of 
domestic heartache and woe beneath his own roof. 

A few weeks later Ralph and Irma were visiting at 
Mr. Dean’s, and as they were about to leave for home, 
Mr. Dean said : “ Mr. Hughs, I have a request to make 
of you ; nay, more. I might say, a command to lay upon 
you : my daughter must come home for the next few 
weeks, at least. She needs a mother’s care, and she must 
have it. I simply decline to take ‘Nlo’ for an answer 
in this matter. I hope your love for her will be sufficient 


BEWARE ! 


”5 


to enable you to brook the criticisms of your own family. 
It is evident they do not intend to administer to her 
needs.” 

“ She would be in the hands of a first-class physician 
and a trained nurse,” Ralph replied, with some assump- 
tion of dignity.” 

“ That I doubt not, siis” said Mr. Dean ; “ but she must 
be in the hands of a godly physician and a Christian 
nurse.” 

Ralph had never before seen the look of quiet determi- 
nation upon Mr. Dean’s face which was now visible there, 
so he thought it wise not to contest the point. Irma sat 
weeping by her mother’s side, who was wearily reclining 
upon a sofa. As the daughter arose to go, Mrs. Dean 
drew her to a resting place upon her own breast, and 
with a silent prayer said, “ Go with your husband, my 
darling.” But it seemed to that fond mother that her 
heart would burst with agony, as she saw the pleading 
look in her child’s eyes. 

As the young couple left the room, Mr. Dean was 
thoroughly aroused. His was a^ quiet but an intense na- 
ture. He. was now angry. It took all the patient sweet- 
ness of which his wife was possessed to quell the storm 
she saw brewing. She knew how fearful it would be for 
any rashness to be displayed just now. She knew it 
would only injure the cause of Christ, and result in their 
becoming stumbling stones. Arising, she went to her 
husband’s side, and placing her gentle hand upon his 
bowed head, said : — 

“ My husband, do not permit Satan to use you in this 
matter. It is a delicate task we have to perform, and 
many lives have been wrecked at this point through un- 


ii6 


BEWARE ! 


wise management. Remember that we must be ‘ as wise 
as serpents and as harmless as doves.’ Let us pray.” 

Mr. Dean fell upon his knees, sobbing like a child. 
Bitterly, bitterly, did he regret having favored Ralph 
Hughs’s advances in the first place. More bitterly did he 
regret not having used his parental authority, and pre- 
vented the marriage of his loved daughter to an uncon- 
verted man. But unavailing were his tears now, so far as 
Irma was concerned. The step had been taken. The con- 
sequences were to be met, and endured by each according 
to their peculiar temperaments and according to their 
individual Christian experience. Mrs. Dean’s experience 
was so deep and so rich that even this only caused her to 
sing,— 

“ Nearer my God to thee. 

Nearer to thee ! 

E’en though it be a cross 
That raiseth me ! ” 

After a season of humble prayer and seeking the Lord, 
the father arose much strengthened. Mrs. Dean saw that 
her husband was more himself than he had been for 
weeks. She rejoiced and forthwith set about to impress 
him with the idea of letting the Spirit lead, even as to 
Irma’s coming home to them at this critical time. 

Ralph Hughs loved his young wife devotedly, yet pas- 
sionately ; that is, one moment she was all to him, but the 
next, some worldy interest, some cutting sarcasm from 
Ada, or some chance remark from a society friend, would 
cause him to be harsh and even unkind in his remarks and 
acts. So Irma was continually in a state of unrest. 
Ralph was no worse than most persons who are actuated 
by impulse, rather than by principle founded upon th^ 
Rock, Christ Jesus. 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


117 


A few days after, Mr. Dean spoke to Ralph about 
Irma’s coming home; the young husband resolved to ap- 
peal once more to his mother ; so, choosing a time which 
he thought would be propitious, he sought her. 'She 
was alone. Ralph sat down on a low rocker almost at her 
feet, and even attempted to take her soft, jeweled hand in 
his, saying: — 

“ Mother, do you not love me any more? Have you 
no interest in my sweet young wife? no care for her, 
nor our little unborn babe? Is it possible, with all the 
wealth and magnificence here, with this staff of servants, 
with a mother and two sisters, and all that money can buy, 
that my wife will be obliged to go elsewhere to receive 
that loving assistance and tender sympathy that woman 
alone can give to woman in her hour of extremity? 
Surely not. O, my mother, once more I appeal to the 
motherhood in you. Please, even at this late hour, take 
my wife to your heart, and make her feel that you, my 
mother, will stand her friend in her hour of need. Surely, 
I will not have to go elsewhere for the kind offices which 
my own mother and sisters should perform.” 

Mrs. Hughs withdrew her hand from Ralph’s clasp, 
and, drawing herself up, said : — 

” Well, what a sensational appeal ! I did not know 
that you were going into private theatricals. I thought 
your ' creed ’ too straight-laced for that. To be rational, 
please tell me what you would have me do to further 
contribute to Mrs. Ralph Hughs’s comfort — don a white 
apron and mob cap, and poise as ' chief ’ in your nursery ? 
If so, I beg to be excused. Such things are not at all 
according to my taste. And, furthermore, I should not 
suppose the Deans would be willing that a young ' Ad- 


BEWARE! 


ii8- 

ventist ' should be cradled in the home of a * Gentile/ any 
way.” 

Ralph arose from his seat, and with a look that was 
simply fearful to behold-, said : — 

'' Mother, I am done. I shall never appeal to you 
again, though I perish for what you could bestow.” 
Nor did he ever again seek to win from his mother any- 
thing like tenderness for himself or his wife. 

He sought Irma. His heart was like a volcano. The 
last fling of his mother, as to the young “ Adventist,” was 
the straw to break the camel’s back. As he entered Irma’s 
apartment, she saw that he was furious. But, strange to 
say, he did not dare vent his fury upon his mother’s im- 
placable head, and being cowardly, as most unconverted 
men are, he wreaked his vengeance' upon his defenceless 
wife. 

“ Irma,” he began, ‘‘ all this domestic unhappiness, 
all this estrangement in my family, springs from your 
tenacity for a senseless creed. What difference do you 
suppose it really makes whether one goes to church upon 
Saturday or Sunday? I just can not bear much more. 
My mother and sister Ada are so opposed to the Adventist 
religion that they will never really recognize you as of 
their set so long as you cling to that fanatical form of 
worship. Why not give it all up, and be confirmed along 
with Lela, when the Episcopal bishop next visits this 
diocese here? Why not?” 

He then changed his tactics, and seating himself be- 
side her, drew her gently to him, and in whispered words 
of love and endearment pleaded with her to “ do this for 
Ralph.” 

Poor child 1 Torn by a thousand conflicting emotions. 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


119 

she grew faint, and would have fallen had her husband 
not supported her. She soon recovered herself, however, 
and looking her husband full in the face, and taking up a 
quaint paper-knife in the form of a stilleto, that lay on the 
table, she said in an intense, though calm and impressive 
manner, — 

“ Ralph, take this, arhd strike me to the heart with it; 
but never again speak such words as you have just spoken 
to me. I can die for my Saviour, but I can not deny 
him in that way. It has been sad enough here at best, and 
I have done already too much to wound him as it is ; but 
please, my husband, never again ask me to forsake the 
truth as it is in Christ Jesus. 

She looked up, and said : “ Jesus, I my cross have 

taken. O, my Saviour, support me, I pray ! ” 

Ralph said no more, for he was awestricken by the 
look of devotion upon her pale face. It was taking deep 
trials to perfect her Christian experience ; but God’s hand 
was over her. Fie would only suffer the dross to be 
burned away. When the Refiner could see his own face 
reflected in the pure metal, then the furnace would be per- 
mitted to cool — not before. Girls, beware ! 


CHAPTER XXIX. 


A FEW days after this conversation between Ralph and 
Irma, they were again much disturbed, as they discussed 
some important matter in rather low tones. Ralph 
said : — 

“ Irma, if you go, it will be fearful for me, I just can 
not stay there with you. My family would cast me off 
entirely; and you know I am not rich in my own right. 
Do you not think it best for your mother to come and 
spend some time with you ? ” 

Irma raised herself upright, and said, “ My mother 
come here? Never! What could make you propose such 
a thing? I would not ask it for the gold of Ophir; nor 
would my father permit it; though my dear, patient 
mother would do anything to please us, or to insure my 
comfort, in spite of my heedlessness and unfaithfulness.” 
She ended by saying in an undertone, “ Mother, O my 
mother, would to God I was to-day your little care-free 
girl once more, and you were as strong and well as I 
would have you be.” 

Ralph sat gnawing his mustache in a nervous man- 
ner. At last he said: “Well, I see nothing remains but 
for you to go home. I will spend as much time as possi- 
ble with you.” 

His face flushed crimson as Irma turned her earnest 
eyes upon him, and said : “ So you decide that it is not 
‘ possible ’ for you to remain there with me ? ” 

He replied : “ No, indeed. Irma, you know I must 
keep up appearances. If I drop entirely out of the family 


120 


BEWARE ! 


I2I 


circle here, it will be hard for us ever to enter it again, and 
I tell you, once for all, I am not prepared to yield my pres- 
ent social position. Now, if you please, no more tears nor 
hysterics. I do not fancy these scenes at all. 1 never 
dreamed before marriage of having to encounter such 
things. I thought that when we were married, it would 
be smooth sailing; but it was a sad mistake.” 

Irma refrained from replying by biting her lips until 
the blood almost started. She was tempted to draw the 
contrast between the sweet, seductive picture which had 
been in her girlish brain, and the stern reality as this 
decision of her husband brought out the situation of the 
present moment. Can anyone do justice to the condition 
of things, in trying to depict this girl’s feelings just now? 
To think of the short time she had been married, and of 
the indignities she had suffered; of the utter indifference 
of the entire family, — except Lela, — in this grand house, 
— it is not a home, — indifference as to whether she lived 
or died. But, oh, the bitterest drop in the cup was when 
her husband practically decided to cleave to his “ own,” 
and leave her to her fate. 

Can anyone imagine her heartache ? Yet, she is not 
alone in this grief. Few young wives are so blessed as to 
escape every sorrow of this nature. The trial will come 
sooner or later. But if both parties are anchored in 
Christ Jesus, Satan may do his worst, and he can not de- 
stroy the comfort of domestic bliss. But if the household 
is “ divided,” we are told that it can not stand. If the 
house is built upon the sand instead of the Rock, Christ 
Jesus, it must fall, and “ great will be the fall of it.” 

Who dare take the step which will establish a “ divided 
household ” ? Who can so sin against light and knowl- 


122 


BEWARE ! 


edge, and expect to escape the consequences, even in this 
present world? It is simply “cause and effect.” Oh, if 
women whom we know dared speak freely, they would 
cry out to every girl in the land. Beware ! It is not every 
man who even “ names the name of Jesus ” that will stand 
the varied experiences of wedded life. It is our opinion 
that an exceedingly limited number ever reach the high 
plane that God intended a Christian husband to occupy. 
Who is it that can understand the workings of that most 
sacred of all earthly things, the heart of a true, pure 
woman, especially if she be a young wife, and a pros- 
pective mother? Husbands, the great day alone will 
reveal to you the grand, sublime privileges you have had, 
that of cheering, comforting, loving your wife with such 
a love that the angels in heaven might look on, and say, 
“ Holy.” How many of you do love with a “ holy ” love? 

One rem^ark of a sweet young girl wife made a deep 
impression on us. She said : I have been such a blessed 
girl. My husband loves me with such a rich, full love I 
do not see how I could have been so blessed.” After that 
remark the young husband was elevated and put upon a 
pedestal, so to speak, in our estimation, and his every act 
has since been regarded with the greatest degree of inter- 
est, almost reverence. We do not think there are many 
husbands who can be tested by God’s plummet, and found 
“ straight,” weighed in God’s balances, and not “ found 
wanting.” 

A true woman’s part in life is difficult at best. O hus- 
bands, wake up to your privileges and duty ! Guard as the 
apple of your eye that woman who has forsaken all for 
you. A woman’s heart will ache, and burn with a secret 
fire that knows no quenching, if her husband is cold, cruel, 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


123 


or even indifferent as to her comfort and happiness. One 
word of love, one tender smile, one rosebud placed gal- 
lantly in her hair, or upon her breast, a good-by kiss at 
the door, will make sunshine and melody in a woman’s 
heart all day; while a forbidding frown, or a morose 
manner, with a sharp “J^ang” of the door as the family 
separate in the morning, will give her the heartache all 
day, and take from her the very spring and incentive to 
everything noble, so far as earthly influences are con- 
cerned. But, thank God, there is a Heavenly Father who 
hears every sigh, heals every woe, sees every tear ; and 
we doubt not that many of the tears might be turned to 
smiles by a loving effort upon the part of the husband. 
Yet let us all remember, “ Earth hath no sorrow that 
heaven can not heal.” 


CHAPTER XXX. 


After a few weeks, we find Irma sitting in a low rock- 
er in her own bed-chamber in her father’s house. She is 
crooning a soft lullaby as she clasps a wee, baby girl 
closely in her arms. She has a far-away, dreamy look, 
and signs of weeping are visible about her eyes. She is 
even now struggling for composure, as the father of her 
babe enters the room. She holds the little dimpled darling 
up for inspection, and eagerly scans her husband’s face as 
his eyes rest upon their babe, their firstborn, a miniature 
woman, to share a woman’s fate and weep a woman’s 
tears should she live. 

All that was noble in Ralph’s nature had been stirred 
since the birth of his child, and he had spent most of the 
time with Irma, regardless of consequences. But now 
that the little one was some weeks old, he had been for a 
few days urging that they return to his father’s home. 
He found the quiet home life of the Dean family monoto- 
nous ; a longer stay would prove irksome indeed. Irma 
could not yet consent to go. She remembered the day she 
left Ralph’s home. While life lasts it will linger in her 
memory. There was a state dinner in the Hughs mansion 
that same evening, when it was known that Irma was 
preparing for her temporary absence. And a wave of bit- 
terness swept over the girl at the thought of how Ada 
tried to induce Ralph to be present at the dinner, even 
saying by way of inducement, “ Miss Golden is in the 
parlor, resplendent in a new costume fresh from Paris.” 

All this stood out in bold relief in Irma’s mind, as also 
124 


BEWARE ! 


125 


the result, the nervous fever which took her very near 
death’s door when her little one came. There had been 
the hushed whisper, the gentle footfall, the eager manner 
of intense suspense and apprehension for hours before 
Irma’s babe saw the light. 

“ Some great mental strain,” the physician had said. 
“ There is something here I do not understand. She is 
young, apparently strong, but there seems a lack of 
vitality or of will power. It it sad to see a young person 
so utterly indifferent as to the result.” 

Mrs. Dean, Aunt Prudence, and Mildred B had 

sought God earnestly and had made intercession day and 
night for the life of their “ lamb.” God heard their pray- 
ers, and Irma drifted back to life. 

It is thus we find her, and it is under these circum- 
stances that her husband is urging, nay, almost command- 
ing her to return with him to her gilded prison. Of 
course she will go; for her sweet mother is already say- 
ing, ‘‘ Go with your husband, my darling.” 

She is for the second time, as it seemed to her mother, 
to be led as a “ lamb to the sacrifice.” And yet that loving 
mother dared not put out her hand to stay the sacrificial 
offering. Her daughter had taken the step that bound her 
life to the ungodly, and all that the mother could do was 
to pray without ceasing. 

Is she the only mother in the faith to-day weeping, 
almost refusing to be comforted, because a loved daughter 
has persisted in wedding as her carnal heart inclined? 
— We fear not. God pity them both, and pity us all who 
are not in the place where the loving Father would 
have us. 


CHAPTER XXXI. 


Several months have passed, and Irma and her babe 
are at her husband’s home. It would be difficult to de- 
scribe this child, and more difficult to find a fairer, sweeter 
babe in all the land. Her large expressive brown eyes 
told of her relationship to Irma, while her tapered, pa- 
trician hand and almond shaped nails, showed forth her 
father’s lineage. There was an indescribable something 
about her hard to fathom, at even this early age. A grave 
preoccupied air, a look of patient sadness about the rose- 
bud of a mouth, a grieved quivering of the lip when a 
harsh tone fell upon her ear, a startled look when any- 
one entered the room hurriedly, — all this betokened her 
extreme nervous sensibility, and was the result of pre- 
natal influences. We wonder if it ever entered into the 
mind of her grandmother Hughs how great a part she 
had played in entailing so much woe upon this innocent 
child. 

Ralph had insisted upon calling the little one Maggie, 
in memory of his own little sister, whom he had loved 
so fondly. While Irma would have much preferred a 
name chosen from among those grand characters in God’s 
Word, she as usual yielded to Ralph’s wish. One sweet 
thought for Irma connected with the child’s name, was 
that her own dear mother bore the same; yet the young 
mother’s first choice had been from Holy Writ. 

To say that Irma idolized her child is quite true. 
Ralph had suggested that she give it into the hands of an- 
other to nourish, but she had pleaded to be allowed that 
126 


BEWARE ! 


127 


privilege herself. So the little one grew and thrived 
under the devoted care lavished upon it by the mother. 
Lela also gave many hours to little Maggie. Irma so 
much wished to choose from among those of “ like 
precious faith ” a little maid to tend her baby, but this was 
denied her; however, she succeeded in getting a girl far 
above the average nurse of to-day, and as her own eye 
was seldom removed from her precious charge, there 
was little to fear. 

Mr. Hughs fondled and loved the babe when- 
ever he saw it, and would sometimes repeat the name 
“ Maggie, little Maggie,” over and over, as if he, too, 
loved the very sound of the v/ords. Doubtless his own 
memory went back to the little flower-like face he had 
laid away to sleep until the resurrection morn. Mrs. 
Hughs never deigned to notice either child or mother 
when she could possibly avoid doing so. Ada always 
made some fling about the “ young Adventist,” or about 
the “ bread-and-water baby,” whenever she came near the 
child or mother. 

Yet Irma was content, for did she not have her babe 
to love, to cherish, to train, to provide for, to nourish, 
in fact, to live for, and, if need be, to die for? The 
happiest moments of her life were when Ralph would ac- 
company her and “ our daughter,” as they sometimes 
called the little treasure, to see “ Grandma Dean.” One 
such afternoon would give her strength to endure weeks 
of stabbing and nagging in her “golden cage,” as she had 
come to call her place of abode. 

Although Ada usually took no notice of the child, ex- 
cept to sneer, as time passed, the exquisite loveliness of 
the little girl became so apparent, that she began to see 


128 


BEWARE ! 


in the child’s beauty, something with which to create a 
sensation, and at the same time stab the mother to the 
very heart. And being like the Athenians, who “ spent 
their time in nothing else, but either to tell or to hear 
some new thing” (Acts 17:21), Ada at once began to 
plan her scheme of creating a sensation in her “ set.” 


CHAPTER XXXII. 


One afternoon, as Ralph sat all alone, Ada thought 
the time had come to carry out her plans. So, approach- 
ing her brother, she said : “ I suppose the Adventists are 
opposed to your little girhs being christened, and of course 
you are tame enough to submit. Why not exercise your 
authority in your own family, and at the bishop’s next 
visit, when Lela is to be confirmed, have your beautiful 
little babe christened? It has been years since anything 
so interesting as that occasion could be made, has oc- 
curred in our church. I claim the privilege of choosing 
the godmother, who shall be my special friend. Miss Gold- 
en. She is rich, and would be suitable, and so glad to 
stand. But I do not suppose that you will be permitted 
to carry out my plan.” 

Ralph was, of course, stung by Ada’s intimation that 
he dared not exercise his manly ( ?) prerogative, and “ do 
as he pleased;” and this was just the result that Ada 
wished. She knew the nature with which she had to deal. 
And, knowing that he had always made his will “ law ” 
when dealing with those who could not help themselves 
she was very hopeful as to the result of having “ pressed 
the button, and set the machinery in motion,” as she ex- 
pressed herself in speaking to her equally heartless 
mother. Was she disappointed? We shall see. 

A few weeks before the bishop was to arrive, Ralph 
sought Irma as she sat in the nursery one evening, sooth- 
ing her babe to sleep. Taking a seat by her side, and 
gently caressing both mother and child, he said : — 

9 . 129 


130 


BEWARE ! 


“ I suppose you are aware, Irma, that the bishop of our 
church will soon visit this congregation. You also know 
that Lela is to be confirmed at that time. It is my 
desire, that we have Maggie christened upon the same 
occasion. The double service of the confirmation of the 
youthful aunt and the christening of the infant niece, will 
be interesting, indeed, and will give much pleasure in 
our social ^ set.’ ” 

He must surely have forgotten how he once sneered 
at the “ fads ” of that same “ social set,” but that was 
before Irma was fully in the toils. Irma started, and 
pressed her babe to her bosom. Had she been stung by a 
serpent, the pain would not have been so intolerable. 
What should she do? What could she do? She saw 
upon her husband’s face the look of determination to 
which she had become accustomed; and realizing how 
utterly futile were her efforts to alter his determined pur- 
pose, she said nothing, but sat with throbbing brain and 
rapidly beating heart. The time had been when ready 
tears would have sprung to her relief ; but now she 
seemed almost turned to stone, by the things that crossed 
her pathway. They were sitting in the gloaming, so 
Ralph could not see Irma’s face; and as she made no 
reply, he was deceived into thinking that she was con- 
senting to his request. He therefore continued : — 

'' Ada and my mother will attend to the details of the 
whole affair ; such as choosing the godmother, pre- 
paring the robe, issuing the invitations to those who will 
dine with us after the church service; selecting the 
presents ; and in fact, they will relieve you of any trouble. 
All you will have to do, is to look your sweetest, dress 
your best, and just be the baby’s mama.” 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


131 

At this juncture Irma spoke, and Ralph was frightened 
at the intensity in her voice. She said : — 

“ In other words, just submit myself as a galley slave 
to your behests, and suffer the grandest, purest, most 
sublime thing in a true woman’s life, — the privilege of 
true motherhood,— to be trampled in the mire of sin, 
simply to create a sensation in your social world. Let 
me inform you, Mr. Hughs, you have gone a step too 
far. My babe can never be christened by an Episcopal 
bishop.” 

He replied in a voice just as constrained as Irma’s: 
“ Allow me to assure you, Mrs. Hughs, that my little 
daughter will at the set time go through that beautiful 
service in the Episcopal church.” 

With these words he quitted the room. 


CHAPTER XXXIIL 


Realizing that sleep would be impossible, and as 
it was just dark, the poor girl resolved to seek her only 
earthly “haven of rest,” a mother’s arms. Pier first 
impulse was to take her babe, and flee out into the night, 
and never return; never let anyone know her where- 
abouts; never again darken the portals of this house, 
where such refined cruelty was daily practiced. But after 
a few moments’ reflection, she saw that such a course 
would be sinful, and fearing the consequences upon her 
frail mother, she smothered her indignation as best she 
could, and, going in where her maid sat, requested her 
to prepare to accompany her. Taking the little nurse 
girl to the bedside where her little Maggie slept, she 
told the girl to lie down beside the babe, and not to 
leave the place until the mother returned. Then hur- 
riedly dressing herself for the street, she took her trusty 
maid and set out. They took the car to that portion 
of the city where Mr. Dean resided. Upon leaving the 
car, Irma gave her maid permission to spend an hour 
with a friend near, bidding her to call at the expiration 
of the hour. Irma then hastened to her mother. 

The young wife was loath to speak of those things 
which that prudent godly mother had taught her to 
“ keep sacred,” but this could not be borne without 
mother. So throwing herself upon her knees by that 
mother’s side, she told it all, and ended by saying ; — 

“ Mama, before I will submit to this, I will take 
my baby and come home. You will permit me to come, 
mama, will you not? please say, yes.” 

132 


BEWARE ! 


133 


Mr. Dean answered by saying. “ Of course, you will 
come, and at once. This is the straw to break the camel’s 
back.’’ 

Mrs. Dean motioned for silence, and reaching for 
her Bible, opened it, and read, “ What God hath joined 
together, let not man put asunder.” She then said : — 

“ No, my darling, I love you too well to permit you 
to come home, though my heart aches to agony over 
your sad position. My little ‘ lamb,’ would God that I 
could buy your happiness with my own heart’s blood; 
I would give it drop by drop. But your precious Saviour 
has already shed his blood to meet just such emergencies 
as this. The Lord is sufficient for all things. We will 
take our trouble to him in prayer. That your position 
is sad, my child, is plain enough; but not sadder than 
others of whom I know. A friend in speaking of the 
heartache and woe of a favorite sister of hers, who had 
wed among the ungodly, said, ‘ We can no more reach 
her case to help her than one could reach an infant seized 
by an eagle, and borne to the dizzy heights of some in- 
accessible precipice.’ ” 

And this was Irma’s position. Had her parents so 
much as lifted a finger, or spoken a word in her behalf, 
it would have only added to her already intolerable 
weight of woe, and also have injured the cause of Christ. 
Such suffering one must, indeed, ‘‘ tread the wine press 
alone,” so far as human aid is concerned. But praise 
the Lord, no one can shut us off from the mercy seat. 
Oh it is sweet to know that mercy is free, mercy is free. 

After a season of prayer, both Mr. Dean and Irma 
grew calmer. As they heard the maid’s step upon the 
gravel, Mrs. Dean folded her daughter in her arms, 


134 


BEWARE ! 


kissed her fondly, and said, “ Go to your husband, my 
darling.” Mr. Dean drew her arm beneath his own, and 
conducted her to a closed carriage in waiting, which 
he had summoned by telephone. Placing the maid by 
her side, he kissed his child, closed the door, and left 
her to the care of her Heavenly Father, — that Father 
who has said that a sparrow can not fall without his 
notice; that Father who numbers the very hairs of our 
head. We know he pitied this haunted, dazed, undone 
young wife, as she returned to her home of suffering. 


CHAPTER XXXIV. 


Irma could do nothing but submit. 

The time soon came for her to endure the bitterest 
trial of her life. She sat by helpless as the elaborate 
christening robe was brought in and inspected, and ap- 
proved. It had been ‘‘ made to order,” and was elegant 
indeed. The “ godmother ” sent in her offering, an ex- 
quisite gold necklace and pendants. Ralph declared that 
Maggie should wear this ornament. He had rebelled 
when Irma refused the traditional ring, and had always 
protested against her wearing her elegant gold watch 
concealed and without a chain. Although unable to move 
his wife upon these points, he was determined to have 
his daughter dressed as a child in his social circle should 
be. He could not be turned from his purpose, even by 
Irma’s pleadings, not to be forced to place those golden 
ornaments upon her innocent babe. 

Irma was so grieved that she made no effort to at- 
tend worship the Sabbath before her child was to be 
christened on Sunday. The day dawned beautiful and 
bright. Ada was all in a flutter of excitement. Lela 
was more sorry for Irma than she could have expressed, 
but was not brave enough to say much. It is sad for 
such natures to be so situated, and their environment 
to be such as was hers. She could have been trained 
into a noble, Christian woman. Alas ! what is to be 
her destiny ? “ Vanity, vanity, all is vanity, saith the 

preacher.” O mother, what is your reaping to be? 

Ralph gave his sister Ada full control as to detail. 

135 


136 


BEWARE’! 


So she actually visited the nuf ery, and directed as to 

the making of the child’s toi K Thj beautiful babe 

was soon aware of the strange c m the room, and 

would turn her pleading eyes i - her mother’s face, 

and hold out imploring little arn s, when Irma would 
press the child to her bursting heart, and then set down 
with the injunction, “Be quiet, mama loves Maggie; 
but let them dress you this time, darling.” She then 
submitted to be dressed in the robe from “ vanity fair,” 
and even laughed aloud as the glittering bauble was 
clasped around her neck. Could Irma have only known 
it, she was but going through an ordeal similar to her 
mother’s upon the evening that Mrs. Dean saw her own 
child robed for the altar. When Maggie’s toilet was 
complete, Ada offered to take the little picture of love- 
liness in her arms, but the child refused to allow her 
aunt to even touch her. Ada used every inducement 
to win the little one to her side, but in vain. The aunt 
then ordered the little nurse girl to “ take the child to 
the carriage.” But still she refused to go, and with 
trembling lips and tearful eyes, held out her little hands 
to her mother. Irma had up to this moment stead- 
fastly refused to be present at the christening, or at 
the dinner to follow. She had told her husband : — 

“You can just simply make any excuse you please; 
but I shall not look upon anything so utterly contrary to 
the teaching of God’s Word.” 

But when she saw that they would actually have to 
tear her precious child from its mother’s breast, and 
unwind the little clinging arms from her neck ; when she 
realized what it would mean to that cherished babe who 
had been held more sacred than words could express, 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


137 


to be forced to go with strangers, and be separated from 
her mother for the first time in life, all the motherhood 
in that noble heart came to the front, and she arose, 
•saying : — 

“ Let my child alone ; give me a half-hour, and I will 
join you in the parlor, bringing Maggie with me.” 

Ada bowed and withdrew. Irma dressed hurriedly, 
but as usual looked exceedingly lovely as she entered 
the parlor, followed by the nurse holding Maggie care- 
fully in her arms. Miss Golden was present to go with 
the family. She offered to caress the babe, but her ad- 
vances were no more welcome to the innocent little one 
than had Ada’s been. As Irma entered, Ralph looked 
the surprise he did not speak, and rejoiced to think that 
anything whatever could have induced her to go to the 
church, just for the sake of appearances. 

It is not necessary to describe the confirmation serv- 
ice, most people are familiar with it. Lela looked winning 
in her veil and wreath, and had quite an expression 
of devotion upon her face when the address was de- 
livered. After that, came the christening. Maggie being 
the only babe present for that purpose, it was soon over. 
Her father held her. Irma would or could not; but in 
whispered words of entreaty, had implored the little 
darling to go to papa for just a few moments,” but 
those large, pensive eyes continually sought the mother’s 
face, and the little quivering lips showed how near the 
child was to crying. But one encouraging smile from 
mama seemed to calm her, though her eyes looked like 
flowers bathed in dew, so close were the tears to the sur- 
face. Ada was not at all disappointed as to the effect 
upon “ our set.” Many of their friends crowded around 


BEWARE ! 


138 

the family group to fondle and admire the beautiful little 
girl, who had- so meekly submitted to the trying ordeal 
through which she had been called to pass. Yet it was 
rather a quiet, constrained party which entered the car- 
riage to return home. No one, not even Ralph, had 
the cruelty to insist upon Irma’s appearing at dinner. 
For she truthfully pleaded fatigue; and the most un- 
feeling could read the weariness and heart-ache in her 
every movement, and as she ascended the stairs with 
her child clasped closely in her arms, there was a sense 
of relief in every heart. And what did Ralph do? Fol- 
low his wife to comfort, and encourage her? — Not he. 
Instead, we find him in the parlor enjoying Miss Golden’s 
society, and taking her in to dinner; while Irma sits 
soothing her excited babe, and weeps alone. 


CHAPTER XXXV. 


After a lapse of four years, we will take up our 
characters again. We will leave to the reader’s imagina- 
tion what Irma Hughs’s life has been since we last saw 
her. We will enter the dining room while dinner is 
being served. We find the little Maggie of yore, a lovely 
child of some five summers, dressed in the prevailing 
mode. She is just as beautiful as she gave promise 
of being, when a babe, and just as interesting; nor has 
she lost that pensive, almost haunted look. 

At table she sat between her parents, but it was to 
her mother that she instinctively leaned, and to whom 
she looked as each course of food is served. She watched 
closely, and ate or rejected as did her mother. Ice cream 
and rich layer cake finished the dinner. Irma gently 
-refused both, and motioned her hand to the servant to 
pass by Maggie also. But it pleased Ada to interfere 
by remarking, sneeringly : — 

“ Ralph, you are permitting that child to be denied 
the simple pleasures of everyday life. Do you not see 
how longingly she looks at that cream and cake ? I think 
she is enough like a Jewess now. I would let her eat 
some things in which ordinary mortals indulge.” 

Ralph made no reply but reached over and helped the 
child to a large portion of both cake and cream, and 
commanded her to “ eat it.” Irma shrank as if she had 
received a blow; but God sustained her. She said 
nothing, but prayed very earnestly. The little girl’s eyes 
sought her mother’s face ; but she could not read what 

139 


140 


BEWARE ! 


was written there, and in her perplexity she turned from 
one parent to the other, not knowing what to do. Her 
mother had always taught her by both precept and prac- 
tice not to eat such rich food. 

It is fearful to think that one or the other parent must 
openly triumph before the servants and the entire family. 
It is more fearful to think of the possible consequences 
of this act upon the spiritual and physical welfare of this 
dear little girl. We Vv^ould like to know how many 
mothers in this beautiful truth can sympathize with 
Irma, from having passed through a like trial? More 
than one we doubt not. Irma silently prayed for the 
Spirit to lead her child, and her prayer was heard; for 
after the little girl had taken the spoon in her hand to 
partake of the cream, she laid it down, and said, “ Mag- 
gie will not eat it; mama does not eat it.” Ralph 
flushed, and the “ I-told-you-so ” expression on Ada’s 
face was about to urge him on to try to compel the child 
to eat the food, when his father interposed, and said : — 

“ Let that child alone. You torment the life almost 
out of her between your conflicting creeds and notions. 
If she does not wish the food, let her alone, I say.” 

Oh the grateful glance that Irma gave the child’s 
grandfather! She felt that she could have fallen upon 
her knees right there to “ praise the Lord for his wonder- 
ful goodness to the children of men.” 

The matter rested there for the present. But Irma’s 
seeming triumph raised such a spirit of evil in Ada’s 
heart that she then and there resolved that for the future 
she would see that Irma did not have it all her way in this 
thing. It seemed as if it really gave Ada the greatest 
pleasure she knew to thwart her brother’s wife whenever 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


141 

and however possible, all because of Irma’s religious 
views. As the time passed, Irma realized that Ada had 
determined to do all possible to weaken the mother’s in- 
fluence over Maggie. And how that mother prayed ! 

Why was it that this family could not be united in the 
effort to train up this lovely child in the way she should 
go ? — Simply because light and darkness can not dwell 
together. Simply because the ideal of those concerned 
were as different as light and darkness. 

From the time that Ada influenced her brother to have 
the child christened, the aunt had used Maggie’s exquisite 
loveliness whenever a sensation could be created by exhib- 
iting the child. Often the mother’s heart had ached when 
she had been compelled by her husband to allow her baby 
to be taken down late in the evening to be “ presented ” 
to a bevy of godless young people, or to be present for 
dessert at the close of a state dinner. But as she had 
taught the little one always to choose fruit for dessert, 
there had been less harm from her being present on such 
occasions than had at first semed possible. 

The mother had nourished her at her own breast as 
long as it was possible, and then had the child take her 
meals in the nursery for another year. Up to this time 
she had managed to please the Lord, and at the same time 
not arouse such bitter antagonism from the family as was 
now manifested. Long and earnestly did she talk to her 
little girl, telling her why it was wrong to use certain 
articles of diet, and so comphrehensive was the child’s 
mind that she readily grasped these things, and was quick 
to discern between the evil and the good. 

After the day of Ada’s open interference at the table. 
Irma was always on the alert as they approached the din- 


142 


BEWARE ! 


ing room; and she and Maggie never left their rooms 
without kneeling to pray God to protect. Often Irma 
had cause to plead in her child’s behalf the promise, 
“ If you drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt you ; ” 
for of late she had sat by in silence, and seen the foaming 
champagne glass pressed to those pure little lips and by 
a father’s hand. At such times one line from that grand 
little poem, ‘‘ Beautiful Snow,” would ring like a refrain 
in Irma’s ears. It was this : “ Merciful God, have I fallen 
so low ? ” for it seemed to her that she had fallen into an 
abyss from which there was no deliverance. 

Mrs. Dean was still living, but so frail that Irma 
never mentioned anything which would disturb her 
mother. So it was only dear, faithful Aunt Prudence or 

Mildred B who ever received her confidence at this 

time; and it was not often that she burdened them with 
her' woes. Whenever she was permitted to take her child 
to see Mrs. Dean, Maggie was dressed in the plainest 
garments in her wardrobe, and was cautioned to be bright 
and loving, and to say nothing to distress Grandma Dean. 
Of course the little girl of five years could not under- 
stand the whys and wherefores of this, but she did know 
that mama looked approval whenever the conversation 
could be kept upon such subjects as Maggie’s dolls, or the 
Shetland ponies and basket phaeton lately added to the 
Hughs stables. Mrs Dean’s mind was just as strong as 
ever, and she would just as willingly have helped Irma 
bear her burdens as in the days of the girl’s early married 
life, but Irma had resolved that never again would she im- 
pose one thing ‘‘ grevious to be borne,” upon that gentle 
mother, who had been gradually fading away ever since 

k 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


143 


she had been called upon to yield up her one treasure 
into the hands of a man who proved unworthy. 

One Sabbath afternoon Irma took Maggie, and went 
to see her mother. They walked the entire distance, and 
why ? — Because Irma never dared to order the carriage 
to go to this portion of the city, and she did not care to 
go on the car because of the “ jam ” on Sabbath after- 
noons. As they neared the Hughs place she felt fatigued 
and sad, oh, so sad ! and Maggie was quite weary, as was 
evident from her lagging step. Suddenly the elegant 
turnout from the Hughs stable dashed by, and who 
should have the seat of honor but Miss Golden? while 
Ralph Hughs sat by her side, and Ada and Lela occupied 
the other seat. They passed so close to Irma and Mag- 
gie that the child exclaimed, “ Papa, here we are ! ” But 
they were gone like a flash, leaving a cloud of dust behind 
them, and Irma and her child walked on. As they entered 
the gate, Maggie felt something warm fall upon her hand, 
which was held closely clasped in that of her mother’s. 
Looking in her mother’s face, the child saw tears trickling 
down, and knew that which had fallen on her hand was 
a tear from her mother’s eye. They were hot, bitter 
tears ; no soothing refreshing shower, to relieve an over- 
wrought brain, but tears that scorched and blistered as 
they fell. Who has not shed such at some period of life? 


CHAPTER XXXVL 


It is useless to follow Irma step by step as she travels 
her thorny path alone. Her child did not develop that 
robust health which the young mother had hoped and 
prayed for, instead she was unmistakably '' nervous.’** 
She was precocious and learned, seemingly without effort. 
Irma was careful not to mention anything about further 
instruction for the little girl, knowing that should Ada 
be seized with the idea of sending Maggie to school, there 
would be no appeal, and that the child would be hurried 
off to the kindergarten taught by The Sisters,” the only 
one in the city. Irma had never once been permitted to 
take her child to Sabbath school, nor did she now attend. 

She managed to secure, through Mildred B ,a set 

of the kindergarten material, and many peaceful if not 
happy Sabbath mornings she spent instructing her little 
girl, whose bright mind responded so readily to every 
effort. How the mother craved to be permitted to take 
her child among those of “ like precious faith,” but this 
boon was denied her. 

But very few of Irma’s friends had ever seen Maggie ; 
for Ralph was growing to hate anything pertaining to the 
Adventist faith or practice. Irma meekly submitted to 
stay at home. But she stood firm upon one point. She 
would no more go down upon Sabbath evenings, nor sit 
through the long dinners upon the Sabbath day. Ralph 
would sometimes forbid Maggie’s dinner to be sent up, 
thinking to coerce Irma into coming down, but God gave 
her courage to remain steadfast. 


144 


BEWARE ! 


M5 

And this was the life to which Ralph Hughs had 
brought Irma Dean, the girl he had flattered and won, 
more by influence than by word. But poor, weak soul: 
he is more to be pitied than blamed. He had no idea of 
what would be required of him, did he prove true to his 
wife. He did not once think it possible that he would 
have to give up any pleasure, forego any established cus- 
tom, or in any way “ deny himself daily.” And when 
it first was made plain that his pleasure-loving life would 
have to be revolutionized to keep pace with Irma’s on- 
ward march, he was not equal to the occasion. “ Weighed 
in the balances, and found wanting” was written over 
against his name. Is he the only one ? — Alas ! not by 
many. If he could have affiliated with the people of God, 
and not have been called upon to make any sacrifice as 
to “ this present world,” he would gladly have done so. 
But he married with the determined resolution to bring 
his “ will to bear ” in inducing Irma to “ give up^ much 
that was peculiar in her faith.” How well he succeeded, 
his own heart could tell him. 


10 


CHAPTER XXXVII. 


As time passed, Irma began to see that the ‘‘ bonds of 
wedlock ’’ were becoming very galling indeed to Ralph. 
Many were the evenings in which he joined a box 
party’’ for the theater, or engaged in some other amuse- 
ment of like character. And Ada never failed to make 
it known to Irma that ‘‘ Ralph and Miss Golden enjoyed 
the evening immensely.” It was not often now that the 
husband and wife went out together, and when they did, 
there was no real pleasure on either side. Irma was 
beginning to see that a crisis must come soon. She did 
not know what turn events would take, but she knew that 
the tension was too great, and that something in the 
domestic machinery must break. .And she more than 
suspected that it v/ould be a human heart. 

Several times lately Ralph had given Ada permission 
to dress Maggie, and take her down town evenings. The 
little one would come back with her baby hands full of 
beautiful baubles, things to please the eye, but never a 
thing that savored of life. Irma bore this as best she 
could. If she had told the child once not to go, it would 
have been impossible for Ada to have taken the little one, 
unless force had been resorted to. But Ralph was always 
careful to call the child to him, and give the command, 
“ Go tell nurse to dress you, then join Aunt Ada in the 
parlor, and go out with her.” So the mother could say 
nothing, unless she taught her child to openly disobey her 
father. 

More than one of our number can enter into this 
146 


BEWARE ! 


147 


mother’s feelings. How careful we should be, young 
readers, when we begin to plan the building of that sacred 
structure, a home ! Home is not home unless hearts, as 
well as hands, are united, and both are striving to keep 
the commandments of God, and thereby become fitted to 
train up the children of that home in the way they should 
go, that when they are old, they will not depart from it. 

Ada kept encroaching upon Irma in regard to Maggie, 
but Irma continued to bear and forbear, praying God to 
keep the child sinless and pure, to help her not to be of 
the world though she was in the world. At last the limit 
was reached. Irma had several times hushed her child 
from trying to tell what Aunt Ada said about “ the 
Deans ” and their “ cranky ways.” She had more than 
once told Maggie not to repeat such things ; but to pray 
for Aunt Ada. And the mother had hoped that she 
would be enabled to bear and forbear even unto the^end. 
But there came a time when she had to decide for Maggie, 
or at least, try to save her. 

One Sabbath afternoon the little girl rushed in to be 
dressed quick, quick, to “ go to the matinee with Aunt 
Ada.” ‘‘ Papa said so, nurse, so dress me, quick” Irma 
arose from her seat, determined to interfere, and not 
allow the child to go. It was the first time Ada had 
attempted to take the child out upon the Sabbath, and of 
all places to a matinee. Irma did not see how she could 
permit this. She sent the nurse to request Mr. Hughs to 
please come up to the nursery a moment. The girl re- 
turned with the information that he was engaged, and 
that he wished Miss Maggie to be down quite soon, as 
they were waiting for her. And the girl added, “ Miss 
Golden is there, too,” Irma said no more; but allowed 


148 


BEWARE ! 


the child to be dressed in a most becoming manner, saw 
her well wrapped, kissed her good-by, and then sent her 
down. The weather was quite bleak and damp, entirely 
too cold for this frail child to have been taken out upon 
any occasion, much less to sit in a state of excitement in 
an opera house, and then come out in the cold evening air. 
As the party left the parlor, Irma stepped out where she 
could see them enter the carriage. She saw Ralph hand 
Miss Golden in, and place Maggie by her side. As the 
mother entered her room, she dismissed the nurse, and 
sank upon her knees by her bedside, crying, “ My God ! 
my God ! why hast thou forsaken me ? ” She was so 
utterly undone that she could voice no other words. But 
she tried to pray. She became more composed, and aris- 
ing from her knees, she began hurriedly to fill a small 
hand-bag with a few garments of Maggie’s plainest cloth- 
ing, both her own and her child’s Bibles, a few pictures, 
and some little trifles of which the little one was very 
fond. Then she dressed herself for the street, and throw- 
ing herself across the foot of her bed, awaited the return 
of the child. 


CHAPTER XXXVIII. 


Irma had determined that as soon as Maggie was 
restored to her arms, she would take the child, and go 
immediately to Mr. Dean’s. But it was quite late when 
the party returned; for they had ordered dinner down 
town, and Maggie told her mother that papa made 
her “ drink some of that ‘ foam ’ again.” If Irma had 
needed anything to make her more determined, this re- 
mark of her innocent child was the thing. But for that 
child’s sake she must not take the step that night. The 
little one was chilled and excited, and a bright spot 
burned upon either cheek. The mother tried to still the 
precious little tongue from babbling of what had been 
seen, but it was hard to do. Over and over again would 
the little creature tell of the glare and tinsel and of the 
“ ladies with not many clothes on,” etc., until it seemed to 
Irma that her head would actually burst with physical 
pain, and her heart faint with anguish unspeakable, to 
think that thus early, her innocent babe had been exposed 
to such a malarious moral atmosphere. At last, by 
gentle strokes and loving little pats, she soothed and 
quieted her child, and the little one fell asleep. 

Long and earnestly did Irma pray as she sat look- 
ing upon that frail little creature. Never before did the 
young mother realize how very responsible she was for 
the welfare of this little mite of humanity. Never before 
did she realize how fearful a thing it was to mar in the 
beginning anything so pure and innocent as a human 
being, such as this one. She grew more firm each 

149 


BEWARE ! 


150 

moment in her resolve to make the attempt to snatch 
her child “ as a brand from the burning/’ and leave the 
result with God. No sleep came to this woman’s eyes 
that night. 

Girls, what of her vigil, do you think? Do you 
suppose that ever once in those sweet, dreamy days of 
first love, that this girl, peerless and pure, thought it 
possible for such a fate as this to overtake her ? — 
‘‘ No,” you say, ‘‘ a thousand times, no.” She is not 
the only one who has seen their house go down under 
the storm of domestic strife, — all because it was founded 
upon the sand, and not upon the ‘‘ Rock.” 

At an early hour, before anyone was astir in this 
great house, Irma awakened her child, hurriedly dressed 
her, and kneeling with the little one, prayed with all 
the fervency of her nature; prayed for each member 
of this godless family; prayed God to forgive her, if 
the step she was taking was wrong; prayed that the 
shock might not prove fatal to her own dear, frail 
mother. And at last she besought the loving heavenly 
Father to have mercy upon herself, the poor undone 
wife, who for her child’s sake was daring to take this 
forbidden step. She dared not to think what the con- 
sequences might be. She would not let herself reflect 
upon Ralph’s legal right to wrest this child entirely 
from its mother’s arms. She only knew in this case 
woman’s extremity would be God’s opportunity; and 
she could not think farther. She was intending to do 
her best to save the child, and trust God for the con- 
sequences. 

Irma really wished to kiss Lela good-by, and once 
more to look into the kindly eyes of Mr. Hughs; but 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


151 

she dared not. She and Maggie paused outside Lela’s 
bedchamber door, and as Irma passed on she threw a 
kiss, and Maggie did the same. Thus Irma Dean Hughs 
passed down and out of the Hughs’ mansion forever. 

Merciful heavenly Father, bind up this broken heart. 
Help her to realize that thou art “ a very present help 
in time of trouble ; ” for well she knows that “ vain is 
the help of man.” 

As Irma gained the street, the “ work-a-day world ” 
was just beginning to stir itself; the fashionable world 
was just sinking to rest. She soon called a carriage, 
and placing her child within, took a seat beside her, at 
the same time giving the driver the necessary directions. 
As the door closed upon her, she sank back almost 
fainting; but Maggie’s startled look recalled the mother 
to herself. 

The child said, ‘‘ Mama we are going so early to 
grandma’s, they will be asleep when we get there; and 
what will my own papa think when we are not in our 
places for breakfast ? ” Irma answered, “ Hush, darling ; 
hush, please. No questions now, mama just can not 
talk.” The sweet fittle lips took on their grieved quiver, 
but not another word escaped them. The little one sat 
and held her mother’s hand in a loving clasp, not once 
disturbing that mother by word or motion. 

When Irma reached her old home, she paid the 
driver, and dismissed the hack before ringing the bell. 
The servant who answered, looked the surprise she did 
not speak, as she saw Irma and her child standing upon 
the porch at such an early hour. The girl was a new 
one, and did not even know who Irma was, but invited 
her to enter. Irma entered, and waving the girl aside, 


152 


BEWARE ! 


went immediately up stairs and into her own room, 
giving the simple explanation, I am Mrs. Dean’s 
daughter, do not disturb her. I will meet them at break- 
fast.” The girl thought that the lady had come from a 
distance, and wished to rest, so she withdrew. 

As Irma found herself once more in this chamber 
of hers, she at once approached the mirror, and looking 
at her reflected face, exclaimed, “ Would to God I had 
been dressed that evening for my burial, rather than 
my bridal! but it is done. I must meet the present as 
best I can. Father, help me.” 

She sought her father as soon as she heard him 
descend the stairs; and leading the way to the library, 
she closed and locked the door, turned and faced the 
father, and holding her little Maggie close to her side, 
said with faltering tones : — 

“ Papa, I have come home to stay. O papa, I could 
not bear the pressure any longer. Do you think Ralph 
will try to take my little darling away from me? Do 
not let him, papa, or I shall surely die.” 

Mr. Dean read the story at a glance, and his resolve 
was taken. He would protect his daughter, and help 
her retain her child if such a thing was possible. But 
he saw, too, how powerful the other faction would be, 
and it was* with a shrinking heart that he strove to com- 
fort Irma. He told her to rest, and that he, in as cau- 
tious a manner as possible, would inform Mrs. Dean 
Irma and Maggie were to come in to breakfast, as if 
this were an ordinary vi^it, that gossip among the 
servants might be avoided. He left her to seek Mrs. 
Dean, and she returned to her room. She soon received 
a summons to come to her mother, and in a few moments 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


153 


she and Maggie were clasped close in those loving arms. 

When they began to discuss the possibility of 
Ralph’s trying at once to regain the child, Mrs. Dean 
said : — 

God alone can prevent that. He alone can so 
manage it as to stay such a proceeding. Let us now 
go down on our knees, and petition to this effect.” 

And it was a sight to make angels weep, to see those 
broken-hearted ones pleading to be permitted to retain 
this “ other little ewe lamb,” as Mrs. Dean styled her. 


CHAPTER XXXIX. 


When Ralph appeared in the breakfast room next 
morning, he at once noticed that Irma’s and Maggie’s 
places were vacant. He waited a short while, and 
feeling anxious over Maggie’s having been exposed in 
the chilly air the night before, he called a servant to 
him, and bade her go inquire how Miss Maggie was 
feeling that morning. The girl soon returned with the 
information “ that neither Miss Maggie nor her mother 
were in their rooms.” 

Ralph pushed back his chair and abruptly quitted 
the table. Ada desired to follow, but not wishing the 
servants to talk, she controlled her impulse, and sat 
still. 

Ralph entered his wife’s private apartment with 
some hesitancy ; for, sad to say, it was not often of late 
that his feet had crossed this threshold. He glanced 
hurriedly around the luxurious apartment, and his heart 
sank with the foreboding of coming evil. Yet he knew 
not why. But he did know how ignoble was the part 
he had been acting lately. His eyes at last rested upon 
an envelope lying up on the table. He picked it up. It 
was sealed and addressed to himself. Before breaking 
the seal -he glanced around hurriedly to see if he was 
alone. He was, for Irma had dismissed both her maid 
and nurse the previous evening. 

After she had resolved to leave the Hughs home, 
she had called those trusty servants to her, and telling 
them that she intended making radical changes in her 
154 r 


BEWARE ! 


155 


domestic affairs, and she would no longer need their 
services. She told them that as it was sudden, she could 
not give them the customary warning, but instead she 
would pay them for the entire quarter, hoping that this 
would suffice for the lack of notice. They loved her, and 
accepted her proposition. She requested them to leave 
her alone for the night, and to return any time the next 
day for their belongings. They consented to do this ; so 
Ralph found himself entirely alone in these rooms, where 
some eight years previously he had brought his, fair young 
bride, and now what did this silence and gloom mean? 
His conscience condemned him at once, and he felt so 
apprehensive of the truth that he feared to open the note 
he held. He again looked at it, and at once recognized 
his wife’s characteristic writing. Seating himself, he 
broke the seal, and saw a sheet all blotted with tears, and 
this is what he read : — 

“ My husband, this last time I call you such ; for I fear 
you will not longer allow me that sweet privilege, after 
you know the step I have taken. I am gone, gone to 
my parents. Oh Ralph, it is for my innocent little girl 
that I take this desperate step. You know our ideas of 
parental responsibility. You refused me when, not long 
ago, I, on bended knees, pleaded as for my life that we 
leave your father’s house, go to a simple home of our 
own, remove Maggie from the demoralizing influences 
which were being brought to bear upon her, and from the 
unkind efforts which were being made to weaken my 
influence over her. You said, ‘ I shall do nothing of the 
kind.’ You further said, ' I consider my sisters and their 
friend, Maggie’s godmother. Miss Golden, fitted to 
train and instruct my child, even if her maternal grand- 


BEWARE ! 


156 

parents are Seventh-day Adventists.’ I said not another 
word. 

‘‘ I did not intend to take this step until last night. But 
when you yesterday, upon the tioly Sabbath day, allowed 
others to actually force mv child from my arms, and take 
her out to a matinee, keeping her until after a late din- 
ner, at which the wine cup was pressed to her sweet baby 
lips, I then decided to remove her from your home. I 
really made the decision when you placed her in the car- 
riage by Miss Golden’s side, and seated yourself with 
them, practically making your choice between your wife 
and- your friend. I was confirmed in my determination 
when Maggie returned chilly, excited, unnaturally 
bright, and with the taint of wine upon her baby breath. 
Now I leave my case in God’s hands. He is my counselor 
and defense, a refuge, ' a strong tower from the enemy, 
“ A very present help in time of trouble.” 

Of course, I know you will see papa. I know just 
what Ada and your mother will say. I also know that for 
eight long years they have striven to bring about this* 
unhappy result. They have at last succeeded. May my 
Heavenly Father be merciful to them ; for they know not 
what they do. If they ever come to sue for mercy, may 
they obtain it, I pray. Good-by! O Ralph, won’t you, 
even yet, seek the sure haven of rest, even a Saviour’s 
precious wounded side ? Do, my husband, do ! 

“ Think as kindly as possible of her, who loved not 
wisely, but too well. 

“ Irma Dean Hughs.” 

Ralph’s better nature tried to gain the ascendency as 
he read this sheet all blotted with his wife’s tears. There 
had been a time just previous to his marriage and one 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


157 


afterward, when his child was born, that this man had 
been very near the kingdom. But he had seen the light, 
and rejected it, with the inevitable consequences, — for 
several years past his heart had been growing as hard as 
a nether millstone toward God and his gentle wife. He 
had become more than ever tenacious in his whims as to 
what was right and proper in his “ set.” He was now a 
stickler for the very things that he had once condemned. 
And when speaking with his mother and sisters, he 
insisted upon his little girl’s being fully “ initiated into 
the mysteries of polite (?) society.” And this is how 
Irma’s bright dream ended, as to Ralph’s conversion. 

But even now, if left to himself and his God, he would 
make a fight for the right. But what is to be the result 
when Ada’s cutting sarcasm is brought to bear? 


CHAPTER XL. 


Ralph controlled himself as best he could, and re- 
turned to the breakfast table, and by making a pretense 
at eating, lingered until the family was ready to leave the 
room. He at once requested his mother and sisters to 
meet him in a private place ; this they did. He read to 
them Irma’s letter, and at its close sat silent. Ada 
said : — 

“ Of course, you will now go over with every apology, 
and on bended knees do the heart-broken act, and win 
her forgiveness ; there will be a grand reconciliation, and 
the Dean’s will have won the day, will have gained the 
victory, and will have you in leading-strings at last. After 
all these years of independence I congratulate you, brother 
mine, over your prospect of milk-and-water domestic 
bliss. I hereby wash my hands of the whole affair. And 
how the society papers will take it up ! should it leak 
out, which it will, never fear. And Miss Golden will 
smile over your abject humbleness. Yours will surely be 
a life of ‘Darby and Joan’ from this time on; that is, 
if you seek a reconciliation. Otherwise I see a bright pic- 
ture for your future. A hasty trip to Europe on business 
for the bank ; an extended visit abroad, with mamma and 
your sisters accompanied by Miss Golden to join you 
after a few months ; and what is to yet prevent you from 
shining in your own sphere as you should have done 
years ago ? ” 

Ralph said, “ You surely forget my child, my beauti- 
ful little girl. Do you think I shall tamely submit to 
J58 


BEWARE ! 


159 


her thus being taken from me? I am human, I love the 
child.” 

Ada replied, “ Maybe I would allow a child of five 
years to come between me and my prospects for a bril- 
liant future! You agitate this thing, and get it into 
print, and you will be socially undone. You know they 
will not resign the child without a struggle, and when 
such things get into court, the whole world knows it. 
But if you quietly go away, for a few mgnths, inasmuch 
as your wife left you, you can, by paying a large sum 
to some divorce specialist, procure your freedom in such 
a quiet manner that there will be no blazing headlines in 
the society papers, as appeared about a certain ‘ mis- 
alliance ’ some eight years ago.” 

Ada’s repeated reference to those “ headlines ” always 
silenced Ralph. It simply sickened him to think of that 
sight. And being a coward at heart, as are most uncon- 
verted persons, he would now to save his name from 
public stigma, forego his rights as a father. Lela had sat 
silent so far, but she now said with tears in her eyes : — 
“ O Ralph, is this to^be the end? Can you thus turn 
from Irma and your child? Shame on you! I cry. 
Shame on you ! How I do wish I had been more tender 
and loving to Irma. You every one know that she is 
right as to her faith and everything else. She is a lady 
born. None of us have ever appreciated her, or treated 
her right, and now she is gone, taking our baby with her.” 

Lela began to sob. Ralph looked uneasy, but Ada 
came to the rescue by saying : — 

‘‘ You please keep quiet, Lela. Do you not realize 
that the social future of the Hughs son and heir is at 
■^ake ? There is nothing which should not be put under- 


BEWARE ! 


i6o 

foot now. We have an opportunity to retrieve the- past, 
in a measure. Do not let us shrink from our duty.’’ 

Lela looked at her sister, and said, “ Ada, are you a 
human being? or are you one of those beautiful incarnate 
fiends we read about? The latter, I think. I wish I had 
been brave enough to espouse Irma’s cause, and to walk 
in the light she has so faithfully let shine in this family 
for the last eight years ; alas ! I fear my day of 'grace 
is passed ! I saw the light, and was not brave enough 
to step out. And of all things, Ralph, do leave her in 
peace with that child. If you do not intend to seek a 
reconciliation, and treat your wife as you should, do leave 
her child alone. I do believe the visible wrath of God 
would descend upon you did you try to take Maggie from 
her mother.” 

Ada’s face paled before Lela’s impassioned manner, 
and she said, “ Yes, I would let the child alone, for the 
present at least. I think the law requires a choice be- 
tween the parents when a child is old enough to decide. 
That being the case, you could only keep Maggie for a 
few years at best. And she would grieve herself to 
death were she separated from her mother. I should 
wash my hands of the pair, and at once take passage for 
Europe.” 

Did Satan ever have such an advocate, or another 
such an ally, as Ada was now proving? Surely, he who 
gathered! not with Jesus scattereth abroad; and it was 
thus that the prayer of the Dean family, that they might 
be permitted to retain their treasure, was about to be 
answered. And so the Lord can work, and none can 
hinder; and he even makes the wrath of man to praise 
Him, 


CHAPTER XLI. 


Mrs. Dean received from on high new physical 
strength to meet the demand made upon her now. It 
would be useless to try to depict the grief in this home. 
Each one tried to appear cheerful and to be brave. First, 
for Jesus’ sake, then for the sake of each other, and for 
the child for whom each was making s'uch a sacrifice. 
Mr. Dean controlled his indignation, and took no hasty 
step, for the godly counsel of his gentle wife held all 
evil in check. Irma tried to busy herself with the duties, 
which were once a pleasure, but alas ! all pleasure was 
now gone She grew nervus, and started at each sound 
of the door bell. Not one word had she heard from 
Ralph since she quitted his roof, and now several days 
had elapsed. She did not know what step he would 
take, but suspense was soon at an end ; for upon opening 
the morning paper some ten days after she left the 
Hughs place, this paragraph met her eyes: — 

“ Quite a pleasure party sailed for Europe this week. 
Among the number we notice Ralph, son of Hughs, the 
banker, who has suddenly been called to the Old World 
in behalf of his father’s banking interest in that part of 
the globe. He took advantage of the outgoing party, and 
will thereby avoid a lonely voyage.” 

So that was the result for the present at least. Not 
one word of farewell. Not one sign of any interest in 
wife or child. And now what was she to do? — Live 
for the child, of course, if God spared to her the little 
creature. Of that she felt doubtful; for the child was 
anything but robust. 

i6i 


1 


i 62 


BEWARE ! 


Now the true worth of Aunt Prudence became mani- 
fest. She left her home, and came to comfort and help 
the afflicted ones. She said the words Comfort ye, 
comfort ye my people,’’ rang in her ears as a refrain. 
Miss Mildred B. came, too, and long and earnestly did 
she talk and pray with her dear friend, “ little Irma 
Dean,” as she ever spoke of Irma. 

Miss Mildred was soon to be married to the young 
man of whom four years before she had told Mrs. Dean. 
Both had finished their studies, going through college, 
and taking the medical missionary course, and would now 
soon become one in name, as well as interest, and sail for 
foreign lands, there to “ do or die ” for the Lord of 
Hosts. Irma’s mind could but revert to her once bright 
dreams of usefulness. How sad the reality ! How de- 
plorable her present condition ! 

Maggie would sometimes stand quietly by her mother’s 
side for some moments, and then timidly say : — 
“Mama, I want to see my papa, don’t you?, I 
wonder why he does not come to us, and take us home. 
He will soon, will he not, mamma ? ” 

Irma would almost faint with the pain that gnawed 
at her vitals when her innocent little one would stand 
with those pleading eyes turned upon her mother’s face, 
and make these inquiries. The mother would give a 
truthful, but not a satisfactory answer to her child, and it 
was always Aunt Prudence who came to the rescue by 
diverting Maggie’s attention to something else. So the 
dreary days slipped by. 

One day the servant brought up the message that a 
lady was in the parlor to see Mrs. Hughs. The girl said 
the visitor gave no name, was heavily veiled, and in- 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


163 


sisted upon seeing Mrs. Hughs at once, saying she was 
“ a friend.” Irma went down immediately, and in a 
moment was sobbing in Lela’s arms. Lela said: — 

“ I could not bear it ; I had to seek you out. O Irma, 
I love you, why did this have to come about? What 
will we all do? Ada never ceased to importune until she 
set Ralph half crazy, and he left for Europe, and now we 
do not even know of his whereabouts.” 

Irma calmly and quietly explained to Lela her posir 
tion, and ended by saying, “ It was like tearing heart 
cords asunder to take the step I took. But I was com- 
pelled to decide for my child. It did not seem possible 
that my husband would leave her in my hands; but I 
made the effort to save her, leaving the consequences in 
God’s hands. You know the result, so far. Of course, 
I put any thought of self or happiness entirely behind me 
when I took a step which is condemned by God and man. 
But I tried to ‘ choose the lesser evil.’ ” 

Lela answered, “ I do not blame you. It was a 
burning shame the way Ada acted with Maggie. You 
did not know it, as bad as it was. I often pleaded with 
Ralph to take you both and go away; but he seemed to 
have degenerated into a base coward, and his fear of 
the jeers of heartless people, called ‘ society,’ held him 
back. But you have to be thankful, for that same spirit 
of cowardice, for it is owing to that alone that Maggie 
is with you now.” 

Irma said, “ No, dear, it is owing to the power of 
prayer alone that my child is still cradled in a mother’s 
arms.” 

Lela sat quietly weeping, and holding Irma’s hand in 
a close clasp. At last, she said ; — - 


164 


BEWARE? 


“ I must see our little pet. You know I love her 
fondly.” 

Irma went out and returned with the child, who, with 
a glad cry, sprang into Lela’s open arms. After some 
moments, Lela said : — 

‘‘ Irma, right is right. You must permit me to pack 
and send your belongings to you, dear, please do.” 

She saw the blood leap into Irma’s face, and knew 
she was about to refuse, so the girl went, and kneeled 
down by Irma, gently encircling her with two loving 
arms, and said : — 

Not if you love Lela will you refuse her just this 
little bit of pleasure, and one opportunity of executing 
justice and judgment!” 

Irma stooped, and kissing the girl, answered, “ If you 
really wish this, be it as you desire.” 

Lela replied, “ I do wish it, and shall at once, all 
alone, pack and arrange your things, and send them over 
by an express wagon, that no one be any the wiser at 
home.” 

As Lela arose to go, Irma said, “ Oh, my sister, once 
more, I beg of you to ‘ flee the wrath to come.’ Please 
seek your Saviour while He may be found. ‘ Call upon 
Him while He is near.’ Do not go on with your defense- 
less head exposed to the pitiless storm of these last days. 
Come home to Jesus.” 

Lela turned, and looked sorrowfully into Irma’s ear- 
nest eyes, and said, “ I am too weak to take the step. I 
know you are right. I have been convinced for some 
time. Would that I ‘ dared to be a Daniel,’ as I have so 
often heard you say. I want to say just here that my 
father loves you too, and regrets you and Maggie, and 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


165 

he is so vexed with Ralph that t think it possible that 
Ralph will yet be disappointed in his great expectations 
financially. That is why my mother and Ada are so 
anxious for Ralph to yet wed Miss Golden, she is a 
multi-millionaire in her own right.” 

Irma reeled as if she had indeed received a blow. Lela 
continued : — 

I know it seems heartless to even mention such a 
thing ; but I thought it best that you be in a measure pre- 
pared for the worst.” 

Irma answered, “ I thank you, dear, the worst has 
come for me. My heart is broken, and my life blighted. 
Yet my Heavenly Father will not refuse a broken and 
a contrite heart, so I know he will bind up mine. Pour 
in the oil and the balm of Gilead, and let me yet work for 
him. That is the one thought that holds me back from 
absolute despair and desperation.” 

” You are a modern martyr,” said Lela. 

Irma answered, “ Anything else ; I am only a weak, 
sinful woman, but his strength is made perfect in my 
weakness.” 

Lela then approached, and took Irma in her arms in 
a tender, farewell embrace, and left the room, saying : — 

“ Sister, pray for me, even yet do not turn away from 
me as from one unclean.” 

Irma replied, “ While I live, I shall pray for you, 
dear, and so will our little Maggie.” 

Thus they parted. 


CHAPTER XLII. 


As spring approached, Irma could but notice that her 
mother was failing rapidly. She besought her father to 
take some decided measures for her mother’s restoration 
to health. “ Oh, let’s do something ! she said. But the 
gentls mother said, “ No, my daughter ; some of us are 
to ‘ sleep,’ you know. I think our Father is to be so mer- 
ciful to me that I shall be one of those fortunate ones. I 
am weary with the heat of the fray, and will gladly rest 
until the resurrection morn.” 

And it came to pass that she did fall asleep. There 
did not seem to be any acute disease, or any pain ; justi 
a weariness, a fading away, a “ falling asleep ” indeed. 
The gentle invalid seemed better, and had even gone out 
the Sabbath previous. It was her first appearance at 
church for months ; but as the weather was balmy, she 
desired very much to go, and no one felt like disappointing 
her. The exertion proved too much, and she was soon 
confined to her room again, and finally to her bed. Yet 
the family continued to “ hope against hope,” and to try 
to cheer each other into believing that she would soon be 
better again. 

The end was sudden, and a shock at last; for Irma 
could not believe her own senses when Aunt Prudence 
insisted that in a few moments the patient sufferer would 
be at rest, and told Irma to bring Maggie to receive a 
blessing from those gentle, loving hands. Irma was as 
one dazed. Nor did she awaken until she saw Aunt 
Prudence lean over and actually place her fingers on those 
precious, love-lit eyes to close them forever. 

i66 


BEWARE ! 


167 


Who but a daughter that has stood just where Irma 
then stood can know the pain of that daughter’s heart? 
She fell upon her knees by her mother’s side crying, 
“ Mother ! oh, my mother ! Is it possible that I have no 
mother now ? Mama ! mama ! My disregard of your 
loving advice in my girlhood days ; my sad life, my sad- 
der home-coming, my condition and position, have 
brought this about. I know that our Father is merciful, 
and the very best he can do for us now is to just let my 
precious mama rest. Rest, rest, sweet indeed will be your 
rest, dear one. But what of your poor, sinful, heart- 
broken child ? How often I shall awaken at night, with a 
feeling of almost wild despair, to think that I have no 
mother now! No mother! Is it possible? No mother! 
And papa has lost his loving companion ! And Maggie’s 
best friend is gone — Aunt Prudence’s and Mildred’s 
too! What will our poor do? But saddest of all, what 
shall /do?” 

It really seemed that Irma must sink beneath her 
weight of woe. But underneath are the everlasting arms, 
and her trust in him who “ doeth all things well,” was 
firm; so she aros'e to take up again the burden of life. 
Yes, the burden ; for she had never yet learned to give 
up her woe into the hands of the great Burden Bearer. 
She did not know how to assume his easy yoke, nor find 
his light burden. Hers was an intense nature, and her 
sufferings were in accordance with it. Just what she had 
suffered because of her affection and her honest pride, 
both of which had been so outraged, no tongue can ex- 
press nor pen describe. 

No one, except her immediate family, and Mildred 
B. — , had even heard one word escape her lips as to her 


i68 


BEWARE ! 


domestic unhappiness, and she had never yet been known 
to introduce the subject, even with them. It was to her 
mother alone, that she ever unbosomed herself in these 
late years of anguish; and that mother was now lying 
low, and the daughter must again tread the winepress 
alone. 

As soon as Irma could collect herself, she decided to 
enter the training school for nurses. It was late to 
enter ; but she determined to take up this work now, and 
to allow nothing to deter her. Mildred encouraged her, 
as did both Aunt Prudence and Mr. Dean. Mildred was 
soon to be married, and Irma dreaded to be separated 
from this one stanch friend. 

Six or eight months had passed since Irma returned 
to her father’s home, and, as yet, she had never heard one 
word from Ralph Hughs. But a lawyer had called one 
day to learn what her g^rounds for defense would be in 
case of suit for divorce. She answered, “ There will be 
no defense — no effort upon my part at all.” The man 
bowed himself out, and she had heard no more from him. 
But she was in a state of unrest, of course. Several 
times there had come handsome presents to Maggie, but 
Irma knew that Lela sent them. 

During the winter, which set in early that year, Irma 
often procured a copy of a certain society paper, and, in 
the seclusion of her own room, eagerly scanned its pages. 
She could not resist the impulse to try to learn some- 
thing of the Hughs family. Yet she instinctively felt 
that when that “ something ” was learned, it would be 
most terrible for her; nor was she disappointed in this. 

One bleak, dreary afternoon she hurried in, paper in 
hand, and at once sought the warmth and privacy of her 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


169 


own room. Drawing a chair to the grate, she seated her- 
self and opened her paper. Turning at once to the society 
news, she read : — 

“ We copy the following from foreign papers: — 

" HUGHS — GOLDEN.” 

“ Americans in this city are enjoying a series of enter- 
tainments given in honor of Ralph Hughs, an American 
gold-bug, and his wife, nee Golden, said to be a multi- 
millionaire in her own right. They are quite popular 
here. The bridal party includes the mother and two 
brilliant sisters of the groom. A romance adds zest to 
the whole thing. It seems that the high contracting 
parties were intended for each other in the heyday of 
early youth ; but as true love never runs smooth, so it 
proved in this case. There is just enough spice about 
it to please the public palate. There seems to be another 
Mrs. Hughs somewhere; but it is making little differ- 
ence here. Mrs. Golden-Hughs must have considered 
her prize worth the having, as, in order to please her lord 
and master,, she accompanied his family over here, and the 
marriage was celebrated in the American circles in Paris. 
It is understood that after the season is over, the entire 
party will go into Lenten retirement in some Swiss vil- 
lage. They have succeeded in creating a sensation, 
which is the dearest desire of the average moneyed 
American heart.” 

Who would wish to witness Irma’s agony? She 
glanced around the room, and like a panorama there arose 
before her mind’s eye that other bridal scene, when she 
stood, all arrayed in shimmering white, alone with her 
precious mother, just in front of that identical mirror, 
and arising from her bended knees went forth to become 
the bride of this same Ralph Hughs, who had just suc- 
ceeded in “ creating a sensation ” in Europe by his second 
effort in that direction. 


170 


BEWARE ! 


As soon as she was composed enough to think, one of 
the first things her mind dwelt upon was Ada’s delight 
over what she had at last succeeded in bringing about. 
Irma knew that Ada had now reached the very pinnacle 
of earthly happiness, and had absolutely nothing left to 
wish for, unless it was to see Irma’s misery; and she 
could well imagine that. But Irma conquered there all 
alone; and when she went down to the family, there was 
a peculiar look of triumph upon her face, that at once 
attracted attention. She unwaveringly approached her 
father, and placed the paper in his hands. 

It was fearful to see the anger depicted in Mr. Dean’s 
face as he read. He was so furious that he began to 
breathe out threats of vengeance. But Irma seemed to be 
her mother herself, as she laid her gentle hand upon her 
father’s arm, and said, “ ‘ Vengeance is mine ; I zvill 
repay, saith the Lord.’ ” 

And who can doubt that He will ? Who would 
exchange places with Ralph Hughs, or with the woman 
v/hom he now calls by the sacred name of “ wife ” ? 
Who would not rather stand where Irma Dean Hughs 
stands ? She can at least have an entrance into the earth 
made new; and there all tears will be wiped away, and 
“ we shall wonder that we ever grieved.” 


CHAPTER XLIIl. 


Aunt Prudence was blinded by tears as she 
unrobed little Maggie, and put her to sleep that night. 
We will leave any true mother to imagine Irma’s feel- 
ings as she stood, later, looking down upon that sweet 
little face with its grieved lip. Grieved that mama 
had not that one night been strong enough to put her 
baby to sleep, but had been compelled to delegate that 
sacred duty this one time. 

In a few days Mildred B ’s wedding day would 

dawn. Irma was almost desperate at the thought of her 
friend’s leaving her, and the family feared the conse- 
quences. At last Irma said: — 

“ Mildred, could you not, after you are married, 
get your husband to intercede for me with the Foreign 
Missionary Board, and entreat 'them to accept me; and 
let me go with you, and continue to train under you? 
You know I have had so much practical experience. 
Please do this for me. I would be self-sustaining, and 
could put quite a sum of money into the work.” 

Mildred promised. 

Now the time was come for more marriage vows to 
be spoken. If ever there was a marriage sanctioned 
in heaven, it must have been this one. A more beautiful 
sight could not easily be imagined than this quiet church 
wedding, where everyone seemed to think that this couple 
was fulfilling God’s appointed ways, in thus becoming 
united in the holy bonds of wedlock. More than eight 
long years they had loved, labored, and studied ; they had 

171 


172 


BEWARE ! 


left nothing undone to bring themselves to a standard of 
perfection. And now it seemed that their marriage was 
entirely for the purpose of promoting the good of the 
cause of Christ, and to glorify God. There seemed to 
be not one iota of self left. Oh, for more of such unions 
in our ranks ! Then our people will be able to obey the 
injunction: “Whether ye eat or drink, or whatsoever 
ye do, do all to the glory of God.” 

As Irma heard her friend speak the solemn words 
which made her a wife, it was with an aching heart that 
the forgotten wife thought of her own marriage vows. 
It is true that she had been compelled to break them in 
the letter, but God knew how sacredly she had kept 
them in the spirit. 

After the ceremony, Irma’s two friends, now one 
in' name and interest, went home with Mr. Dean by 
special invitation. After a simple repast, which all 
enjoyed, Mr. Dean discussed seriously with the intended 
missionaries, the idea of Irma’s going out with them. 
All thought it would save her, but what of that deli- 
cate, precious child for whom she, the mother, had laid 
herself upon the rack ever since it was born to her? 
Everyone knew it would be a great risk to take the 
little girl to the low, dank, malarious climate for which 
this party would be bound. Irma’s heart grew sick with 
apprehensions at the mere thought of what the conse- 
quences to the child would in all probability be. She 
thought of how she had wept over articles in the 
missionary magazines, telling where parents had been 
compelled alone to bury their little ones. It seemed to 
her that the death of her child would indeed be the 
crowning blow. But as often as she hesitated came 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


173 


that scripture : “ He that loveth father or mother/’ 

etc., or ‘‘ children,” she would say over and over again. 
At last, she stood up in this group (for the council had 
developed into a private social meeting, interspersed 
with appropriate prayers and songs), and said: — 

Here am I, send me,’ and even my little Maggie. 
Should I have to stand by another open grave, my 
Saviour has stood there before me. I will not, I dare 
not draw back.” 

The arrangement with the board was perfected, and 
Irma was to do at last that which she had planned to 
do at first, to go as a missionary to foreign lands. 

We will pass over the hasty preparation, the leave- 
taking of sacred spots, the visit to her mother’s grave, 
the last evening at home, the last prayer around the 
family altar, where every eye was streaming, and where 
still stood the old armchair. Irma' knelt by this chair 
upon this last season of worship in her old home. It 
seemed to Mr. Dean that his home would indeed be left 
unto him desolate, when he should have kissed his 
daughter and her child good-by ! But he was develop- 
ing into such a gentle Christian that he could truthfully 
say, “Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly;” and he knew 
the way to hasten that coming was to help spread the 
message; and here was the opportunity of -his life, in 
which he could give both his household idols and his 
means to help spread the g'lad tidings of “ Jesus and 
his love.” And nobly did he “ give ” at this time. Yes, 
he gave his earthly all, and rich will be his reward in 
the earth made new. 

As our party was to sail at daylight, they went on 
the ship early in the afternoon of the day before. Mr. 


174 


BEWARE ! 


Dean and Aunt Prudence went down to the water with 
them, as did many other friends. As the missionaries 
started on the ship, those present began to sing, “ Jesus, 
I my cross have taken.'’ 

■ There were few dry eyes. It was most affecting to 
see little Maggie clinging to Mr. Dean and Aunt Pru- 
dence, and it was an effort to loosen her clasp. 

At last it was all over; the last kiss had been given, 
the last “ God bless you ” had been spoken, and Aunt 
Prudence and Mr. Dean had turned away. Irma and 
Mildred sought their berths, each trying to sing that — 

Duty makes me understand. 

That we must take the parting hand. 

But in that bright and happy land. 

We’ll take no more the parting hand.” 

Thus they leave all that makes home so sweet and 
sacred, and go forth at the word of their Captain’s com- 
mand, to “ do duty ” until “ honestly discharged,” or 
until the Saviour comes. 

We who remain at home do not love and pray as 
we should, nor do we give as God wishes us to. Let 
us think more of these things ; for there are many real 
flesh-and-blood Irmas and Mildreds, and even little 
Maggies, also, who have gone out from us. Oh, yes, 
we have gone with them to the water’s edge; have taken 
part in the last prayer, and followed them with the 
refrain of a missionary song ; and then have quietly 
gone home to pursue the even tenor of our way, and 
left them to their work beneath a burning southern sky, 
or to suffer with cold in some frigid zone where the 
mercury is lost below zero; and yet we flatter ourselves 
that, as a people, we have the missionary spirit. 


CHAPTER XLIV. 


Some months later we find our missionaries toiling 
beneath a tropical sun, doing all in their power to cheer 
the few native Christians, and trying to reach the 
heathen. Mildred and her husband are happy. That 
fact is patent to all. Equally yoked, they go forth hand 
in hand to do their Father's work. Their beautiful 

r 

home life and domestic happiness are an inspiration to 
all with whom they come in contact. No one could go 
to their humble abode, and see the sweet spirit of con- 
tentment and peace which was breathed forth, and doubt 
that their lives were “ ordered of the Lord ” in all things. 
And this was true of them. Unreservedly they were 
given up to be used of the Lord. Fully consecrated, was 
it any wonder that their lives were beautiful to behold, 
or that their very souls seemed to be in the words, as 
they sang, “ Wholly thine, O Lord, just now ” ? 

Such can be true of any who will do as did these 
young people. Fit themselves to be husbands and wives ; 
fit then\selves to serve the Lord in every sphere of life, 
and then go forth to obey the injunction, “Arise, shine: 
for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen 
upon thee." 

And what of Irma, and little Maggie? Irma's means 
enabled her to live in much more comfort than did her 
friends, though she lavished upon them all they would 
accept. But they urged her to put into the message 
what she would give them for personal use; and she 
did give freely. None were turned away empty. It was 

175 


176 


BEWARE ! 


her purse which supplied the means for every private 
enterprise in the mission, and also for much co-operative 
work in the district. She was never tired of giving: 
it seemed her one solace. And her father kept her 
supplied with all necessary funds. Thus she had one 
rare, sweet pleasure, — that of giving: giving without 
stint or measure ; giving without having to account 
to anyone for anything given; giving to the sick, the 
afflicted, the humble, the poor, and to the rich, if need 
be. To some natures this privilege reaches almost the 
sum total of human happiness ; and Irma had developed 
one of those rare natures. 

And the same principle was being developed in little 
Maggie. Maggie was growing up a lovely child — 
patient under every privation, noble, generous, truthful, 
just. Every characteristic she possessed seemed to be 
of the Lord’s own choosing. The child was a revelation 
to the natives. They looked upon her as something 
pure, lovely, perfect ; something that they could not 
understand> but something to be held in almost sacred 
awe. The little thing never tired of waiting upon the 
sick among them. The black faces did not deter her; 
and many were the cups of cold water pressed to their 
fever-parched lips; and many a black brow was laved 
by those baby hands. 

Irma was so careful of her child that life was a 
burden. The mother saw how very frail the little one 
was becoming, and often the child spoke of pain in 
her head. But this gave no great cause for alarm, and 
Irma hoped that after the extreme heat was over, “ the 
angel of the home,” as Maggie was called, would grow 
stronger. It seemed to Irma, that the child was among 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


177 


them, but not of them. The whole mission family 
began to fear the effect of the climate upon the little 
one. There had been some thought of sending her 
home ; but she had almost fainted at the first intimation 
of such a thing. The others had even insisted that Irma 
leave, and take her child to “ the States.” The mother 
said, “ What is that about putting one’s hand to the 
plow and looking back? No, I can not afford it.” But 
she did beg, beseech, and importune God for the child’s 
life. Many times the mother would arise at midnight 
and touch the child, to see if she were breathing; and 
upon finding that the little one responded to her touch, 
she would prostrate herself face downward upon the 
very earth, to thank the Heavenly Father that the child 
yet lived. 

One Sabbath day the child went to a hut to see one 
of the native women, and as she stayed longer than usual, 
Irma went to see if all was right. What a sight met 
her eyes ! There was Maggie, with her little white dress 
looped back, down on her knees trying to cook some 
cakes of bread for the woman’s dinner. She proved to 
be very sick, and no one knew it until Maggie went 
over. When the little angel of mercy had a small portion 
cooked, she would take it to the sick woman, who, to 
please her small friend, would try to eat it. Irma could 
think of but one thing — “ And a little child shall lead 
them.” 

Some months passed, bringing Maggie’s birthday. 
She was now eight years old. A package of some size 
and weight reached Irma about this time, and upon 
opening it she found some handsome presents for 
Maggie. Irma knew at once that Lela had made an 


12 


BEWARE ! 


178 

effort, found their address, and sent these things, hoping 
that they would reach the child for her birthday. Irma 
had secured a beautiful little Bible as a birthday offering 
for her little girl. When the day came, the mother 
placed the package containing Lela’s offering and the 
Bible together, and gave them into Maggie’s hand, telling 
her that “ Aunt Lela sent those beautiful things.” The 
child laid all “ those beautiful things ” carefully aside at 
her left hand, and taking the Bible in her right hand, 
said, “ These are pretty ; I appreciate them, and thank 
Aunt Lela for them ; but give me this,” holding the Bible 
up to view, “ and you may have all of those.” 

One day an old woman was discovered lying under 
a tree near a hut, and apparently suffering. Our mis- 
sionaries went over to investigate the matter, and found 
the poor old creature helpless, blind, demented, and cov- 
ered with loathsome sores. She had been deserted by 
her own kindred, and left there to die. The missionaries 
did what they could to relieve her, but could not induce 
even her own son to permit her to return to him. So 
great was Maggie’s compassion for her that she could 
not be induced to eat a meal without being first per- 
mitted to go and feed with a teaspoon this miserable, 
loathsome specimen of humanity. Irma would allow the 
child to go, but would follow closely behind her. The 
poor old creature knew the little one’s step and voice, and 
sometimes, with a gleam of reason, would say, “ There 
is that little angel.” 


CHAPTER XLV. 


Another year passed, and matters remained much 
the same with our missionary friends ; but Irnfa saw that 
her child’s life hung as it were by a thread. The little 
girl had grown rapidly, and was now past her ninth 
birthday. She was a comfort and a pleasure to her 
friends, and the solace of her mother’s life. 

Often when the day’s duties were over, Irma found 
herself almost too weak to keep up for evening worship. 
Maggie would then say : — 

“ You lie down, mama, and just listen, and I will 
read. I will read the fourteenth chapter of John.” 

This and the book of Revelation were the child’s 
favorite portions of God’s Word. She would then read, 
and lead in prayer, while her mother would lie with closed 
eyes and streaming tears, realizing that ere long this 
greatest treasure of her life would be gone, and that she 
would tread the solitary path alone indeed. 

One day Maggie was playing with a favorite doll, 
one which had been given her long before by one of 
Irma’s special friends. All at once she stopped playing, 
and said : — 

“ Mama, I want this doll buried in my arms. I do, 
indeed.” 

The mother could not say one word, but she bowed 
her head in assent. As the heated season approached, 
the mission family saw that the child must succumb. 
Some days she would be up, while others she would pass, 
reclining on a couch made of bamboo. All showed her 

179 


i8o 


BEWARE ! 


little, loving attentions. The natives brought every little 
curio possible, to help their little pet to while away the 
moments. There was very little that could be done for 
the child. All seemed to see the shadow drawing nearer. 
If ever people prayed without ceasing, it was this people 
now, — not for the little one to be spared ; but that 
Irma’s faith fail not. 

Irma often talked with her child of the beautiful 
home to be enjoyed in the new earth ; and often they 
would dwell upon the picture in John 14 : “ In my 

Father’s house are many mansions.” Both took hold of 
the promises as never before. 

Irma often said to Mildred, ‘‘ My child has taught 
me how to live; she will also teach me how a Christian 
should die.” 

Maggie failed daily. No longer could she sit up, or 
read aloud for worship, or lead in prayer. She was just 
a mite of humanity, anxious to be released from her 
weary waiting. It was about three o’clock, Thursday 
afternoon, that the knell went forth, “ Maggie is dying.” 

No one but a mother who has stood by the death-bed 
of a child of like nature, can enter into Irma’s grief. Her 
friends feared that it would overpower her, but as long 
as her child needed any attention Irma was there to give 
it. At last little Maggie lay robed in spotless white, to 
sleep until the resurrection morn. 

How many mothers will go back over a like experi- 
ence? How many have stood thus beside their little 
ones, and grieved as if there were no comfort, even when 
in their native land, surrounded by husband, friends, 
and home comforts? What mother even then can bear 
the sight of the little white casket? What must this 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


i8i 

blow have been for this fond heart, away in a heathen 
land, with only some half dozen of her own color around 
her, and with absolutely none of the comforts of modern 
civilization to soften the harsh outlines of death. 

As the mission circle stood looking upon their little 
pet, someone said, “ Let us pray.” It was then that 
Irma voiced the first sentiment of rebellion that anyone 
had heard her express. She answered, “ Pray ? And 
for what ? I have done nothing but pray since this child 
was born; prayed that God would spare her life to me. 
You see the result. If all the agony of my life had been 
rolled together, and burst at once over my defenseless 
head, it could not have equaled this. • If you can prevail 
in prayer to the extent that I can be enabled to say, 

‘ Thy will be done,’ then pray.” And, kneeling, that 
was the burden of their prayer. For hours Irma wept 
bitter, blinding tears. But upon going to her dead 
child, and finding that precious little body cold, when it 
was but so lately warm and loving, her tears seemed to 
congeal, and not another tear did she shed. She 
straightened up from over the little, silent form, and 
seemed to be turned to a marble woman. Dry-eyed, 
silent, seemingly unmoved, she looked as one dazed, and 
continued in that state. When they bore her baby from 
her sight to consign the body to mother-earth, she could 
not go to witness that sight; nor did she ever see the 
little mound. Others tended it with loving care, but not 
the mother. 

Irma’s friends feared for her reason. But they could 
not think that Satan would get the victory, so they con- 
tinued to pray. They sent the news to the home 
churches as soon as possible, requesting all to pray for 


i 82 


BEWARE ! 


them. They knew that if no tears came to this woman’s 
relief, hers was a hopeless fate. But God is good! He 
loves His own, and is abundantly able to take care of 
them. 

After Maggie was gone, Irma’s friends had in kind- 
ness put out of sight all little dresses and shoes. Oh, 
what mother’s heart does not ache over the thought of 
these things? They put away her toys, her bonnet, her 
little sunhat and even her precious little Bible, which 
had been clasped in her hands when she died, and from 
which someone had read by the side of her little dead 
body the fourteenth chapter of John. It was years before 
this mother could sit calmly by, and listen to the reading 
of that chapter. 

The poor woman for whom Maggie had cooked the 
corn cakes on the Sabbath day, came and begged to be 
allowed to wash all soiled linen and clothing. When 
she returned with the articles, upon the very top of the 
basket lay one of Maggie’s dainty little white dresses. 
When the woman came in, she began to show Irma spots 
upon it, motioning to make them understand that they 
were made by her tears ; in fact the little garment had 
been sprinkled with her tears. At the pathetic sight 
of this poor heathen trying to make them understand 
what her grief had been over their great loss, what won^ 
der that a mother’s tears burst forth afresh. Irma wept 
sweet, refreshing tears, that lightened her heart, and 
saved her brain. Yes, the stress and strain was over, 
and her friends went apart to “ thank God and take 
courage ” that the victory had been won, and that this 
sweet, gentle, consecrated woman would be spared to 
work out her own salvation, even though with trembling. 


OR IRMA’S LIFE. 


183 

My story is told. It is an offering to the Lord. 
There is but little fiction contained in it. It is fact, 
solid fact, all too sad, and all too true. 

Some may think that it deals too freely with woman’s 
tears and woman’s woe. But I know whereof I speak, 
and venture to say that woman in general will bear me 
out in the assertion that the “ half has not been told.’^ 

A parting glimpse at Irma, and we will leave her. 
It is the first anniversary of her child’s death. The 
mother is standing with a picture in one hand and a little 
Bible in the other. As she looks off into space, in the 
direction where a certain little mound of clay may be 
found, she murmurs, “ Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly.” 
And we say. Amen, and Amen ! 


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